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Good afternoon: As we continue to navigate domestic and international issues and look ahead to the U.S. presidential election in fall 2024, we write to provide updates and reminders regarding the university’s policies and approaches to free expression, academic freedom and activism. Revised Free Expression and Academic Freedom Policies In consultation with shared governance partners, community members and university leaders, OSU recently adopted updated policies related to free speech and expression and academic freedom. These revised policies give clarity to leaders and university community members regarding topics like speech in digital spaces and the scope of academic freedom. We recommend all university leaders carefully review these policies with their leadership teams, consider their application to the operations of the unit and reach out with any questions. Philosophy and Processes related to University Response to Protest and Assembly In 2016, following consultation with stakeholders and the Board of Trustees, the university adopted a Philosophy of University Response to Protest and Assembly to outline OSU’s approach to protest. The philosophy seeks to balance the importance of activism as a vital form of free expression and civic engagement with providing care to university members impacted by controversial speech and the need to ensure safe and consistent operations of the university. This philosophy and many other resources are available on the university’s Supporting Activism website. Planning procedures and intake processes for event managers related to protest and assembly were also recently updated. Like the revised free expression and academic freedom policies, we encourage all university community members to review and understand these resources. Principles of Free Expression In addition to policies and philosophies undergirding the university’s approach to free expression, academic freedom and activism, the university has developed Principles of Free Expression to succinctly summarize our approach to these topics. All university community members should be aware of these principles and their scope. Steering Committee on Free Expression and Academic Freedom In fall 2023, Provost Feser charged a Steering Committee on Free Expression and Academic Freedom to:
Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Senior Advisor to the Provost for Operations Dan Larson and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Scott Vignos co-chair the committee, which is comprised of faculty experts, student and employee shared governance representatives, and representatives from multiple university locations. The Steering Committee is currently developing strategies to engage the university community on topics likely to arise during the fall 2024 election season. A website will also be created to make resources centrally available, outline opportunities for professional development and provide answers to FAQs. Thank you for your attention to these critical matters, and please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. |
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Kevin Dougherty Senior Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs Dean of Students Becca Gose Vice President and General Counsel Dan Larson Vice Provost for Student Affairs Senior Advisor to the Provost for Operations |
Rob Odom Vice President for University Relations and Marketing Rick Settersten Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Scott Vignos Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer |