Principles of Civility for NEH Summer Institutes

Applicants should note that NEH Summer Scholars are expected to engage in discussions of controversial historical interpretations throughout the institute. During these conversations, we expect participants to uphold the NEH Principles of Civility.

NEH Principles of Civility

NEH Seminars, Institutes, and Landmarks programs are intended to extend and deepen knowledge and understanding of the humanities by focusing on significant topics, texts, and issues; contribute to the intellectual vitality and professional development of participants; and foster a community of inquiry that provides models of excellence in scholarship and teaching. 

​NEH expects that project directors will take responsibility for encouraging an ethos of openness and respect, upholding the basic norms of civil discourse. 

Seminar, Institute, and Landmarks presentations and discussions should be: 

1. firmly grounded in rigorous scholarship, and thoughtful analysis; 
2. conducted without partisan advocacy; 
3. respectful of divergent views; 
4. free of ad hominem commentary; and 
5. devoid of ethnic, religious, gender, disability, or racial bias. 

​NEH welcomes comments, concerns, or suggestions on these principles at questions@neh.gov.