Furman Adopts New Statement on Freedom of Inquiry and Expression
The Furman Free Speech Alliance is already making a difference.
The first goal of the Furman Free Speech Alliance was for the university to adopt the Chicago Statement on Freedom of Expression through a vote of the faculty. Today, we can say that goal has been met. Thanks in part to our efforts, Furman faculty recently adopted a statement on freedom of inquiry and expression.
Everyone should read the Furman statement, which can be found here. It sets a standard for the toleration of free speech on campus. It is not perfect; but it is an admirable effort by the administration and faculty to confront a contentious topic for universities today.
The statement is brief, but of particular significance is the school’s open recognition of the following:
The university “unequivocally affirms its commitment to free inquiry and free expression.”
“All members of the Furman community” have responsibility to fulfill that commitment.
The university will rigorously defend academic freedom.
The “widest possible latitude” should be given to “free expression.”
Individuals should not be shielded from ideas they may believe are “offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed.”
These policies are important, and we applaud Furman for stating its commitment to free speech on record. We now intend to hold them to it. Indeed, the proof of Furman’s commitment will come in how the university applies these principles in tough cases and works to improve the climate for free speech on campus.
FFSA is not officially affiliated with Furman University. It is a non-partisan organization founded by a group of Furman University alumni and parents dedicated to finding ways to address Furman’s culture of intolerance. With your help, we can hold Furman to its new commitment to free speech.