‘It is not the proper role of a University to insulate individuals from ideas and opinions’
In the midst of numerous campus free speech controversies, Georgetown University recently took steps to ensure that freedom of expression will remain protected and vibrant on its campus.
The university’s new free speech policy, adopted last week, affirms that the university is “committed to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate in all matters, and the untrammeled verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas.” The university therefore seeks to offer “the broadest possible latitude” in all matters relating to free speech and free expression.
The policy admits that “the ideas of different members of the University community will often and naturally conflict.” However, “it is not the proper role of a University to insulate individuals from ideas and opinions,” even if those opinions are “deeply offensive.” Rather, it is up to “individual members of the university community” to “judge the value of ideas,” and act accordingly.”
Georgetown community members, the policy holds, should deal with ideas and words “not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting those arguments and ideas that they oppose.”
The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. The University prohibits expression that violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat, violates the University’s harassment policy, or unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests. In addition, the University may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the institution. Finally, to the extent that appointment letters, confidentiality agreements or policies, professional conduct policies, or HR policies regulate conduct that may include speech and expression, they are not superseded by this policy. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions not be used in a manner that is inconsistent with the University’s commitment to a free and open discussion of ideas.
As a corollary to the University’s commitment to protect and promote free expression, members of the University community must also act in conformity with the principle of free expression. Although members of the University community are free to criticize and contest the views expressed by other members of the community, or by individuals who are invited to campus, they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe. To this end, the University has a solemn responsibility not only to promote a lively and fearless freedom of deliberation and debate, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.
“Concerns about civility and mutual respect,” the university declares, “can never be used as a justification for closing off the discussion of ideas, no matter how offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community.”
MORE: VIDEO: Georgetown clamps down on pro-life activists at Planned Parenthood president’s speech
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