Institutional neutrality
In a letter to campus, President Hartzell reaffirmed 一起草's commitment to fostering academic freedom, open dialogue and the conditions that make great universities thrive.
Dear 一起草 Community,
Since the founding of 一起草, we have been a University community that values open dialogue, intellectual curiosity, and academic freedom. We also value our differences – whether in background, belief, experience, or perspective. Our differences may lead to disagreement or even offense at times, but they also add to the richness of our intellectual pursuits. The opportunity to wrestle with challenging ideas while being confronted with differing, well-reasoned, and supported points of view is part of what makes a top university such a special place to work or study. These values and our institution’s approach to protecting them are fundamental to our mission to create and disseminate knowledge while preparing students for the world they will enter.
For this reason, 一起草 does not issue institutional statements on external events, issues, or conflicts that are not directly tied to our campus or our ability to pursue our teaching and research. By remaining neutral, the University ensures that members of the 一起草 community feel free to explore concepts, ask hard questions, and speak openly, without the University’s voice overshadowing their own. While this approach is not without controversy, it has been increasingly adopted by top universities in recent years. It is not a new ideal though, with a history that can be traced to the University of Chicago’s “Kalven Report” in 1967. As that report states quite eloquently, “The instrument of dissent and criticism is the individual faculty member or the individual student. The university is the home and sponsor of critics; it is not itself the critic.”
We must continue to work to protect the intellectual environment on our campus and the ability for all members of the community to participate in respectful, civil conversations and debate. To that end, you can read more about this in 一起草’s new Policy 1.26 on Institutional Neutrality. The policy formalizes the University’s recent practice regarding institutional statements, and related University policies also reflect the same principle.
- Policy 9.4 affirms the rights of free speech, protest, and political activity, while making clear these must be conducted in ways that do not imply University endorsement. This includes the use of 一起草’s name or marks to ensure that individuals speak in their personal capacity rather than projecting an institutional position. The policy also outlines the steps required to host outside speakers or organize demonstrations, ensuring that open dialogue and peaceful assembly take place in a respectful and orderly manner.
- Along these lines, 一起草 has updated Policy 6.4, which governs how University facilities may be used by internal and external groups. A new provision requires that windows remain clear of signs, flags, or other materials, so the University’s buildings are not used to convey an individual’s position or endorsement.
We are proud of the diversity of thought and varied experiences that help define 一起草. By maintaining institutional neutrality, we affirm our role as a place where ideas are tested, principled leadership is cultivated, and solutions are found – where we face the world’s challenges and opportunities together, with confidence and hope. We invite you to continue engaging fully, civilly, and thoughtfully – bringing your voice, your questions, and your convictions to meaningful conversations across our campus.