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Thank the University of Chicago for Taking a Stand for Academic Freedom
As many of you Ricochet readers are probably well aware, last week the University of Chicago (UChicago) sent a back-to-school letter to incoming students telling them not to expect “intellectual ‘safe spaces’” when they arrive on campus. Here’s an excerpt:
Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called “trigger warnings,” we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual “safe spaces” where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.
Fostering the free exchange of ideas reinforces a related University priority—building a campus that welcomes people of all backgrounds. Diversity of opinion and background is a fundamental strength of our community. The members of our community must have the freedom to espouse and explore a wide range of ideas.
We at FIRE agree with UChicago that higher education should first and foremost be a marketplace of ideas. If you agree, please join FIRE in saying “Thank You” to UChicago for taking this important stand for academic freedom.
Published in General
Just signed. It’s sad that such a letter at any college should be necessary let alone newsworthy.
True, nearly cried with relief that there is still some hope for our young people. We need more Greg Lukianoffs.
Done and done. Keep up the good work!
Greg,
Done. I think this is just a beginning. One step at a time we must reclaim the American academic behemoth.
Regards,
Jim
After the letter came out, I sent the university a contribution with the comment that I appreciated their commitment to academic freedom.
I’m currently helping a student with his college admissions essays. Because of this letter, he switched his “early decision” school from the U of C to Yale.
It’s a shame, because in many ways, he’s an ideal candidate for the U of C. But if he’s also dying to cordon off an area and build things out of play-doh, he’s better off somewhere else.
So the letter is going to have some collateral benefits for the college, too.
Good work, FIRE. And I enjoyed seeing you, Greg, on Special Report (Greg comes in at about 34:55):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X8pJlG3nV4
Thanks everybody! Next step, ask our alma maters to follow U of C’s example!
Mine is Williams College, which disinvited John Derbyshire this past year from the Uncomfortable Learning speaker series, sadly after I’d donated to the Alumni Fund. But I sent the President a letter explaining my disgust with his actions.
Thank you for tuning in, CB!
You’re welcome. I feel a sense of pride and ownership which I know is completely unjustified when I see or hear your name or that of FIRE.
Most of you will already know that daughter S is about to be a senior at UChicago (I’ve mentioned it in every thread addressing the College’s stand). Here is the report from the Committee on Freedom of Expression.