Protocol for Website Comments

The following statement is the policy to guide what comments may be posted to Vista website articles.

A. The Vista student website accepts comments, which can be posted by anyone, including those unaffiliated with the University of San Diego. However, The comments must observe the same guidelines stated in The Vista Student Publication Board Charter.

B. The Vista reserves the right to delete comments at its discretion. Any comments with profanity, personal attacks, threats of violence or those that violate the law or common decency will be deleted. This includes comments that:
1. Are obscene, according to current legal definitions
2. Are libelous, according to current legal definitions
3. Create material interferences and substantial physical disruption of educational activities
4. Personally isolates an individual for ridicule
5. Is vulgar
6. Is potentially damaging to institutional security or credibility
7. Is derogatory toward a race, gender, creed, culture or religion
8. Include profanity
9. Are violent or threatening
10. Go against common decency

C. Anonymous comments are not permitted. Please include your name and e-mail to verify your identity. Contact information will not be published. The opinions expressed in these comments do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Vista or the University of San Diego.

II. The following Guidelines will ensure that the comments section is appropriately moderated:
A. The moderator option will be used to monitor the website 24/7.
B. The managing editor will review the comments posted to the moderator page,
1. If the comments meet the requirements identified in the comment policy they will be posted to the website,
2. If necessary the managing editor will consult with the editor in chief and associate editor to determine whether or not a comment is meets the criteria noted in the policy.
3. Comments that are inappropriate will not be edited; the entire comment will be rejected.