Policy on Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence

Spirit of ’61 seeks to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, establishing our website and publications as trusted sources for Civil War researchers and casual enthusiasts alike.

We are committed to accuracy and transparency in all our work. This commitment includes clearly identifying the source of all information; verifying the reliability and credibility of each source; consulting multiple sources (preferably three or more) when constructing a narrative; and utilizing a single source only when no other options are available, and only if that source has been vetted for reliability based on other verifiable information. This rigorous approach to sourcing ensures that our audience receives information that is as accurate, complete, and unbiased as possible.

We are committed to clear, objective, and bias-free language in all our writing and publications. This commitment includes avoiding generalizations, stereotypes, and derogatory language; using racial or ethnic descriptors only when relevant and necessary to the information presented; employing precise and active language; and minimizing the use of vague terms and passive voice. This approach ensures that our communication is respectful, accurate, and easily understood by all audiences.

Plagiarism, presenting the work or ideas of others as your own without proper attribution, is a serious academic offense. This includes directly copying text, paraphrasing without credit, or using the unique structure, concepts, or data of another’s work.

To avoid plagiarism, all sources must be cited using appropriate citation styles (i.e., hyperlinks, end notes, or reference list). This includes materials obtained from books, articles, websites, presentations, interviews, or any other source. Direct quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks, and paraphrased ideas require clear attribution. Suspected plagiarism on our website or in our publications should be reported to dispatches@spirit61.info.

At Spirit of ’61, we uphold the ethical use of AI in our academic research, prioritizing accuracy, accountability, and integrity. We commit to using AI responsibly, ensuring it remains free from bias, plagiarism, and fabricated data, and is solely employed for purposes that complement, not substitute, rigorous scholarship.

AI tools will be implemented under editorial oversight exclusively to aid in copy editing, analysis, and summarization, never to generate complete articles or images. We believe human oversight and critical analysis are paramount in maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.

M.A. Kleen, Chief Editor

See memorandum below: