update discord rules on website

Author: AJaccP

content/about/discord/rules.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 ---
 title: "CCSS Discord Code of Conduct"
-date: 2022-06-25T00:00:00Z
+date: 2026-01-25T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: overlaypost
 preview: "images/orientation2018-min.jpeg"
@@ -9,24 +9,36 @@ excerpt: "The code of conduct for the CCSS Discord server."
 hideBanner: false
 featured: true
 url: /discord/rules
-author: Matthew MacRae-Bovell
+author: Matthew MacRae-Bovell and Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
 ---
 
 # Discord Code of Conduct
 
-- Our server follows the [Discord Terms of Service](https://discord.com/terms) and [Guidelines](https://discord.com/guidelines). No illegal content is allowed. In addition, our rules are an extension of the [CCSS Code of Conduct](http://ccss.carleton.ca/about/governance/).
+Our server follows the [Discord Terms of Service](https://discord.com/terms) and [Guidelines](https://discord.com/guidelines). No illegal content is allowed. In addition, our rules are an extension of the [CCSS Code of Conduct](http://ccss.carleton.ca/about/governance/).
 
-- Treat everyone with respect. Absolutely no harassment, sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, bigotry, or hate speech/derogatory language will be tolerated.
+## 🧠 Avoid Sensitive Topics
+Discussions involving sensitive or polarizing topics (such as political or religious views) can quickly derail conversations, make others uncomfortable, and undermine the supportive environment we're trying to maintain. To keep the focus on learning and collaboration, please avoid these subjects entirely. Moderators may step in at any time to end or redirect such discussions. This server is meant to be a helpful resource for students—not a public forum for open debate.
 
-- No NSFW, vulgar, or profane content. This includes text, media, profile pictures, and usernames featuring profanity, lewd imagery, violence, or other disturbing content, as well as flashy, loud or unsettling content posted with a spoiler tag.
+## 📰 Respect Academic Integrity
+Do not share code, questions, answers, or solutions related to course evaluations or assignments. This is considered academic dishonesty and violators will be reported to Carleton University for plagiarism.
 
-- Refrain from broaching sensitive subjects and avoid all controversial topics (including, but not limited to, political and religious views). Moderators have the right to determine what conversations are appropriate. Ping or direct message moderators to mediate topics causing discomfort.
+## 💬 Be Respectful
+Harassment, discrimination, or hateful conduct of any kind (including sexism, racism, homophobia, ableism, and similar behavior) will not be tolerated. This includes language, imagery, or messages sent in public or private chats. Disrespect toward university staff, teaching assistants, or professors—whether direct or indirect—is not allowed. Criticism is fine, but personal attacks, mocking, or hostile behavior toward individuals or the institution undermines the purpose of this server as a constructive academic space. If you wouldn’t say it to someone in person, don’t say it here.
 
-- Do not spam messages or ping roles unless you have a good reason. Promote opportunities you think would interest CS students in the bulletin-board channel, and feel free to ping the ulletin Board role.
+## 🧪 Don’t Give Bad-Faith Advice
+Advice shared here should be honest, well-intentioned, and based on your best understanding. Deliberately misleading, sarcastic, or dismissive answers—especially when someone is asking for help—are not acceptable. If you see a question that seems obvious or like common sense, be patient. Many members are new and still learning. Treat all questions with respect, and focus on being helpful—not judgmental.
 
-- Sharing code or solutions related to course evaluations is strictly prohibited. Violators of this rule will be reported to Carleton University for plagiarism.
+## 🚫 Keep It Appropriate
+Usernames, nicknames, avatars, bios, and messages must remain appropriate. No NSFW content, offensive material, disturbing imagery, or intentionally disruptive formatting (e.g. zalgo, blank names, slurs). Anything intended to shock, provoke, or offend is grounds for removal.
 
-- Respect the moderators. They’re here to keep things welcoming and civil. You must comply with their requests in a timely fashion. If you have concerns about a moderator, please contact the CCSS President.
+## 📢 No Spam or Self-Promotion
+Do not spam messages, ping repeatedly, or promote your own servers, socials, or content without permission. Promote opportunities you think would interest CS students in the bulletin-board channel, and feel free to ping the "Bulletin Board" role. If you're unsure whether something belongs in the channel or server, ask a moderator before posting.
+
+## 📔 Use Common Sense
+This list isn’t exhaustive. Moderators may take action on any behavior that harms the community, even if not explicitly mentioned here. Treat others kindly, and use your best judgment when interacting on the server. 
+Respect the moderators. They’re here to keep things welcoming and civil. You must comply with their requests in a timely fashion. If you have concerns about a moderator, please contact the CCSS President.
+
+If you see any examples you feel contradict these rules, please ping the "Moderator" role
 
 # Strikes and Examples of Their Consequences
 
@@ -44,4 +56,4 @@ author: Matthew MacRae-Bovell
 
 - Disrespecting a moderator reaching out to you may result in an additional strike, or even a ban.
 
-- You can direct messahe the CCSS President to appeal a ban/mute/strike.
+- You can direct message the CCSS President to appeal a ban/mute/strike.