Welcome to the De Minimis Comment Policy


​1. APPLICATION
1.1 This policy applies to all online comments submitted in response to a De Minimis publication, including but not limited to:
a) Comments beneath articles on the De Minimis website; and
b) Comments on social media posts over which De Minimis has power of
moderation.


2. OPERATION
2.1 In applying this section, regard should be given to the importance of unfettered public debate.
2.2  Comments that are defamatory or obscene are to be removed.
2.3  Without limiting r 2.1, where an individual is identified and disparaged in a
comment, that individual shall have absolute discretion as to whether the
comment in question is removed.
2.4  The Online Editor must remove comments in accordance with ss 2.1 and 2.2 as
soon as practicable.
2.5  De Minimis may not require commenters to identify themselves in a forum
where the potential for anonymous commenting exists.
2.6  De Minimis may not require comments to be approved prior to publication.


​FAQ
​
“How do I contact a moderator about my comment(s) or comments of others?”
If any student or faculty member feels as though misconduct has occurred and has gone unaddressed by our editorial committee, please email us at mlsdeminimis@gmail.com, or contact a member of our committee. 

“Why does it say the comments section is now closed?”
The De Minimis editorial team may from time to time close the  comments section of an article before the normal 30 day time period, if comments on the article are consistently of an impermissible nature, based on the grounds described above.

“Where can I find the Policy on Student Misconduct? ”
You can find a link to the University of Melbourne Student General Misconduct Policy here. In accordance with 4.2 of the Policy, De Minimis requires any editor, writer, or reader who participates in its forums to:
  • Treat staff and other students with respect and courtesy;
  • Comply with the Appropriate Behaviours Policy and treat others fairly and equitably, and not engaging in harassing, bullying or discriminatory behaviour; 
  • Respect the rights of other members of the University community to express dissent or different political or religious views, subject to those actions or views complying with the laws of Australia and not endangering the safety of other members of the community;
  • Behave respectfully towards other cultures;

If you are considering making an allegation of general misconduct, please find below a number of relevant resources on the University’s policies.