Institutional Speech FAQ

How will the Board of Regents resolution on institutional statements be implemented?

Provost Croson has formed a group to advise her on the evaluation of existing and potential statements against the criteria in the Board resolution and to ensure that the ability of individuals and groups to fully engage in scholarly work is protected and flourishes. We expect that the conduct and dissemination of research, scholarship, and creative activity by our employees engaged in scholarly work will be unaffected by this resolution.

Eleven unit statements that had been housed on University web pages have been taken down. These actions were taken in accordance to ensure compliance with the letter and spirit of the Board’s resolution. 

Provost Croson will provide regular updates on progress on implementation of the resolution to the Board of Regents at their request. 

Will implementation of this resolution affect scholarly work?

The University remains fully committed to ensuring the ability of individuals and groups to conduct research, publish, teach, speak or write on matters of public concern or public interest, and to otherwise disseminate their research, scholarship, artistic activity, knowledge and creative expression.

The resolution ensures that any employee engaged in scholarly work can pursue the widest range of ideas and questions in their research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and campus dialogue. And that the University, by not taking a stance on its official channels such as department websites, will be able to fully support a broad range of debate and discourse on issues, including some of the most challenging issues of our time.

Will the resolution affect University departments or units—including centers and institutes—who have academic work or missions that directly relate to matters of public concern? 

The resolution reaffirmed both personal free speech and academic freedom of any employee engaged in scholarly work. That has not changed and will not change. Academic units, including centers and institutes, will be able to conduct and disseminate the research and scholarship they have generated and thus fulfill their missions.  

What is institutional speech? 

The resolution has brought clarity to what constitutes institutional speech — statements on behalf of the University, its departments and units that are shared on official University communication channels or use University marks. 

Any employee engaged in scholarly work can and should continue to research, publish, teach, speak or write on matters of public concern or public interest, and to otherwise disseminate their research, scholarship, and creative expression. Individuals or groups may also speak freely on any matter on their personal social media, personal or third-party websites, or in conversations with the news media. 

Is there anything my college, campus or unit should do immediately? 

Communicate with your campus, college or unit marketing communications leader to ensure they are aware of this resolution and their responsibility to implement. 

If you know of a unit’s institutional statement that exists or is being planned about which you have concerns, you can reach out to [email protected]. 

These messages can be adapted for your audiences for proactive or reactive communication.