(PatriotSpotlight) – University of Michigan officials emphasized the institution’s commitment to free speech during a special meeting of the Board of Regents on January 16.
President Santa Ono stressed the importance of defending free speech, particularly during periods of societal division. The meeting, convened at the Ann Arbor campus, served to update, and reaffirm, the university’s free speech policy.
The meeting came after allegations from pro-Palestinian protesters accusing the university of stifling free speech prompted heightened scrutiny. Notably, accusations surfaced following the arrest of 40 protesters in November for occupying President Ono’s office.
The updated policy reaffirms protections for speakers, guarding against disruptions from spectators, and facilitating public forums to critique conflicting or controversial viewpoints.
Acknowledging that free speech and expression may provoke discomfort, officials emphasized the necessity for encountering divergent ideas and subjecting them to rigorous examination and debate.
However, the policy delineates limitations on speech that contravenes the law or university policy, such as targeted speech constituting bullying, defamation, discrimination, or violence.
The formulation of the new statement involved input from various stakeholders, including regents, university officials, faculty senate members, and community members who submitted opinions through an open portal.
Regent Chair Sarah Hubbard highlighted the university’s commitment to facilitating free expression, noting previous instances where protesters were accommodated to voice their concerns. The updated policy further strengthens this commitment.
Ahead of the approval vote, multiple regents weighed in on the matter. Regent Ron Weiser emphasized that the policy does not condone disruptions to presentations, affirming individuals’ right to listen or abstain from participation.
Echoing Weiser’s sentiment, Regent Jordan Acker clarified that free speech on campus encompasses engagement with unpopular topics, emphasizing the importance of intellectual discourse, but clarified that it does not mean “until the last Nazi has had the right to speak”.
University General Counsel Timothy Lynch will spearhead efforts to implement the policy across all campuses, emphasizing the need to invite a diverse array of speakers to enrich campus dialogue and uphold the spirit of the policy.
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