Announcement of Community Conversations around Free Speech on Campus
From Dr. Jean Morrison, University Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Freedom of speech is among our society’s core principles and has particular resonance on the college campus where the protection of academic freedom is imperative. This past February, President Brown announced the formation of two committees to help develop a clear and consistent institutional voice for Boston University on this issue. The charges to these committees are to: (1) develop a statement that describes and affirms BU’s commitment to free speech; and (2) review and revise existing University policies and practices related to speech and expression on campus.
The committees have been hard at work over the last few months and are now looking to hear your thoughts.During September and October, we will host a series of community conversations to hear your perspective on a range of issues, from student and faculty rights and responsibilities to the relationship between free speech and an inclusive campus environment.
We have scheduled five sessions on the Charles River and Medical Campuses. In the coming days and weeks, we will be advertising and sending out invitations for these events. They will also be posted on the Free Speech Committees website, where you will have the opportunity to sign up and to submit questions, suggestions, or feedback to the committees at any time.
After gathering and incorporating your feedback, our goal is for the Free Speech Committees to present the proposed statement on free speech and accompanying policy revisions to University Council and Administrative Council for review and ratification early in the spring semester.
The work that these committees have undertaken is complex, challenging, and, for many, deeply personal. I am grateful to the members of these committees for being willing to take on this work and thank you, as well, for your participation and feedback on this important topic.
Announcement of Community Conversations around Free Speech on Campus – 8.26.19