As an advocacy-centered organization, the American College Health Association understands the importance of being responsive to current, national, and international events. However, in an ever-changing world dominated by the 24-hour news cycle and social media, it has become increasingly challenging to choose when ACHA should and should not comment.

In this current climate, ACHA has often been faced with the reality that the weight of a reaction may become diluted the more one reacts. Therefore, ACHA has chosen not to respond to political announcements, posturing, or social media posts, regardless of the source. Instead, ACHA has reserved its formal comments for response to factual news, major events, or genuine policymaking that may have a significant impact upon the health and well-being of college students and our college communities, both now and in the future. In addition, ACHA has chosen to comment upon issues affecting the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community, repeatedly defending our shared values of cultural inclusion, respect, equality, and equity. We welcome the feedback of our ACHA members on this approach.

Adopted by the ACHA Executive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors on September 8, 2017.

Topic
DEIJA

Audience
Campus Executives, Community Based Organizations, Faculty/Researchers, Health & Wellness Center Administrators, Health Care Providers, Health Promotion Specialists, Mental Health Providers, Student Affairs, Students/Patients/Families

Resource Type
Organizational Position Statement

Publish Date
September 8, 2017