LOYOLA SCHOOLS SPEAKS OUT AGAINST PLAGIARISM: ROCKWELL SCHOOL, WHAT ABOUT?

We are reprinting the statement issued by the Vice-President for the Loyola Schools John Paul Vergara and clearly, they have made a stand in contradiction to the save face definition of the Supreme Court on Plagiarism.

A lot of schools have made similar stands. Is that Rockwell school included in the memorandum? Well, we have to sit back and wait. We do hope they will soon.

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4 November 2010

MEMO TO:    The Loyola Schools Community

FROM       :    John Paul C. Vergara    

                        Vice President for the Loyola Schools

SUBJECT:    Treatment of Plagiarism Cases in the Loyola Schools in Light of the Recent Supreme Court Decision

On October 12, 2010, the Supreme Court issued its decision on A.M. No.10-7-17-SC (In the Matter of the Charges of Plagiarism, etc. against Associate Justice Mariano C. Castillo), where it was indicated that "plagiarism presupposes intent, and a deliberate, conscious effort to steal another's work and pass it off as one's own". Since this statement seems to contradict what has long been our understanding of the essential nature of plagiarism, the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University is compelled to issue this memorandum restating its policy and practices that relate to acts of plagiarism:

1. The Loyola Schools takes very seriously all cases of academic dishonesty including acts of plagiarism.

2. As articulated in the Loyola Schools Code of Academic Integrity (A Student Guide), the objective act of "plagiarism is identified not through intent but through the act itself. The objective act of falsely attributing to one's self what is not one's work, whether intentional or out of neglect, is sufficient to conclude that plagiarism has occured. Students who plead ignorance or appeal to lack of malice are not excused.

3. Aspects pertaining to intent are considered during the determination of the appropriate sanctions. The specific context of the violation is studied to ensure that the sanctions are proportional to the gravity of the offense, which incorporates awareness, willfulness, and acknowledgement of wrongdoing, among others.

4. The foregoing Supreme Court decision notwithstanding, the Loyola Schools' understanding and definition of what constitutes plagiarism has not changed. Cases of plagiarism will continue to be handled in the same manner, and with the same regard for due process, as stipulated in the Student Handbook.

The Loyola Schools reiterates its position that academic honesty and the acknowledgement of sources is not simply a matter of the correct use of quotation marks, placement of footnotes, or acquisition of permissions; it is a question of personal discipline and moral character. The school's resolve on the stringent requirements in the proper acknowledgement of sources goes to the heart of its mission in forming persons for others-persons who value truth, respect, gratitude, integrity and justice.

Thank you for your attention.