Ensuring an Open, Civil Campus Environment
September 17, 2024
Dear Boston University Community Members,
The beginning of the new academic year provides an occasion to look ahead with optimism and dive headfirst into the many opportunities that Boston University has to offer. Yet, we also return to many of the challenges that have deeply affected institutions of higher education across the country, including BU. Geopolitical conflicts and the impending US presidential election, among other issues, are top of mind for many of us.
Over the past year, there have been instances of tension and conflict, but more frequently, members of the campus community spoke their minds respectfully; listened to others and their points of view with openness; and worked with administrators, students, faculty, and staff toward preserving a civil and intellectually rich environment, while expressing the right to varied points of view.
Nevertheless, many members of the campus community have shared ongoing concerns. While these individuals come from a wide range of backgrounds and traditions, there are common themes. People have spoken out about their personal experiences, including their pain and fear, as they have been directly impacted by current events or interactions on campus. Others have raised concerns about the classroom and campus climate regarding academic freedom and freedom of speech. Some have expressed an inability to speak freely because they question whether their viewpoints and perspectives are valued. Some want to learn and discuss current events but feel prevented from joining the free exchange of ideas.
These concerns are extremely challenging and not easily addressed. They reflect the significant work we must do to ensure that all people at BU can participate fully in the life of our campus.
Principles to guide us
Boston University has a foundational commitment to free speech and academic freedom. These principles are central to the open exchange of ideas and are the hallmark of an institution committed to learning and discovery.
BU also has a foundational commitment to welcoming faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds, places, and perspectives. Our commitment to ideas and our broad diversity create our rich intellectual environment.
These fundamental principles, and their history at BU, are part of what makes BU such a compelling and important institution.
New resources
Last spring, we launched two working groups to address bias and harassment related to religion and current geopolitical events. I invite you to read their recommendations and engage in future related programming and discussions. In response to their important work, this summer, we created an implementation group to address many of the committees’ recommendations.
Thus far, we have enhanced a centralized Incident Report Form through the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO), where community members are encouraged to report all instances of bias or harassment; updated and expanded existing prayer space on both the Charles River and Medical Campuses, which continues to be a work in progress; hired an additional part-time Muslim chaplain with plans to hire a full-time chaplain; and begun developing antisemitism and Islamophobia training.
Today, we’re launching a new website on Community, Civility & Free Speech devoted to communicating about these new initiatives and the University’s resources, policies, and practices related to free speech and academic freedom, civil discourse, and campus safety.
The site contains an updated interim policy on events and demonstrations, which I encourage you to read. Our policy acknowledges that members of the University community must be able to express themselves and that this is crucial to our educational mission, but it sets forth time, place, and manner guidelines to ensure that expressive activities do not unreasonably interfere with or disrupt University operations.
As mentioned, community members are encouraged to report all instances of bias or harassment via the EOO. Those who do not want, or are not yet ready, to make a report can seek other confidential support on campus through the Office of the Ombuds, Behavioral Medicine, the University Chaplains, or the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office.
Moving forward together
These are the initial steps and there is much more work to do. Creating a community in which each of us thrives requires individuals to commit to regarding one another with mutual dignity and respect. These behaviors cannot be dictated by policies or rules. Instead, they rest upon our values; our commitment to discovery, learning, and service; and our curiosity and willingness to learn about people and ideas that are different than our own. Know that I will lead with these values in mind. I and other senior leaders will listen, participate in training and education, and engage with you in the work to foster civil discourse across our University.
Our mission grounds us in the use of speech for the benefit of one another and society. In the coming weeks, we will have more opportunities for learning and dialogue. I welcome your feedback and ideas as we work together to create the environment we aspire to have.
Sincerely,
Melissa Gilliam
President
*9/17/24 This message was sent to students, faculty, and staff.