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policies:freedom_of_expression [2016/06/23 04:15]
John Benedetto 		policies:freedom_of_expression [2016/06/24 17:52] (current)
Geoff Nicholson Updated Draft verbiage
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 ====== Freedom of Expression Statement ====== ====== Freedom of Expression Statement ======
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-<WRAP round tip>This statement is a draft, pending board and membership assent</WRAP> 
  
 Because Quelab is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the Quelab community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except insofar as limitations on that freedom are necessary to the functioning of Quelab, we fully respect and support the freedom of all members of the Quelab community “to discuss any problem that presents itself.” Because Quelab is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the Quelab community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn. Except insofar as limitations on that freedom are necessary to the functioning of Quelab, we fully respect and support the freedom of all members of the Quelab community “to discuss any problem that presents itself.”
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 Of course, the ideas of different members of the Quelab community will often and quite naturally conflict. But it is not the proper role of Quelab to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive. Although Quelab greatly values civility, and although all members of Quelab community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community. Of course, the ideas of different members of the Quelab community will often and quite naturally conflict. But it is not the proper role of Quelab to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive. Although Quelab greatly values civility, and although all members of Quelab community share in the responsibility for maintaining a climate of mutual respect, concerns about civility and mutual respect can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas, however offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some members of our community.
  
-The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. Quelab may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of Quelab. In addition, Quelab may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of Quelab. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with Quelab’s commitment to a completely free and open discussion of ideas.+The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. Quelab may restrict expression that violates the law, that falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or [[policies:inclusivity#harassment|harassment]], that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of Quelab. In addition, Quelab may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of Quelab. But these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with Quelab’s commitment to a completely free and open discussion of ideas.
  
 In a word, Quelab’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the Quelab community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of the Quelab community, not for Quelab as an institution, to make those judgments for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Indeed, fostering the ability of members of the Quelab community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of Quelab’s educational mission. In a word, Quelab’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the Quelab community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of the Quelab community, not for Quelab as an institution, to make those judgments for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Indeed, fostering the ability of members of the Quelab community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of Quelab’s educational mission.
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 This resolution is adapted and excerpted from the 2015 University of Chicago Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression. The original is available in full [[http://provost.uchicago.edu/FOECommitteeReport.pdf|here]] This resolution is adapted and excerpted from the 2015 University of Chicago Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression. The original is available in full [[http://provost.uchicago.edu/FOECommitteeReport.pdf|here]]
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 +<WRAP round tip>The Board of Directors approved this statement 23 June 2016, after receiving no commentary from the members during the period 1 May 2016 - 20 June 2016</WRAP>