The Relationship between Freedom of Expression, Inclusion, and Civility

February 12, 2016

To Members of the Rutgers University–New Brunswick Community: 

As many of you are aware, Rutgers–New Brunswick, like many colleges and universities throughout the country,is engaged in conversations about race, inclusion, diversity and free speech. Given our standing as one of the nation’s most diverse institutions of higher learning, it is inevitable that there are numerous disparate opinions when such critical conversations take place. A recent student-sponsored event has increased the passion that surrounds these discussions. It is my purpose today to let you know that I believe we can embrace both inclusion and free speech, acknowledging that in the environment we seek to foster, ideas will be tested, but all need to feel secure in their expression.  

To be sure, there will be events, such as the one that took place here last Tuesday, that seek to challenge this vital combination of freedom of expression and inclusion, demanding that our community choose one or the other. After speaking with many students this week who attended the event, I have been reaffirmed in my conviction that we need not, indeed must not, choose between freedom of expression and inclusion.  

Rutgers recognizes student organizations on a content-neutral basis. We have more than 500 student organizations registered at Rutgers–New Brunswick representing a wide range of political and social-action perspectives. This week’s speaker and his presentation were controversial, which is not uncommon at some events that take place at our institution. The wide variety of programming at Rutgers highlights the fact that not all of our students share the same background, beliefs, opinions, interests, or lifestyles. This is the very diversity we celebrate and cherish. And as part of that celebration, we strongly support the right of free speech—even the right to express views that are abhorrent to others—but expect our students to engage in civil discussion on important issues and to treat each other with respect.

Having said that, through my conversations with students this week, it has been brought to my attention that the behavior and actions of some members of our community lacked the civility and respect we seek to advance. In addition, other concerning and disappointing communications were reported to have been made after the event on various social media platforms. Public Safety personnel were in attendance at the program, as they are for all large-scale events, and I have asked RUPD Chief Kenneth Cop to investigate any safety-related incidents that may be reported. The safety of our students is our highest priority. 

While elements of intolerance may plague our community from time to time as in any other community, we need to stay focused on the larger commitment that we have made to strengthen the fabric of our institution. As I have shared before, we have created the Task Force on Inclusion and Community Values and the Committee on Enslaved and Disenfranchised Populations in Rutgers History. The Task Force is charged with exploring the sentiment of inclusion across our University and to continue conversations about race, bias and identity. The Committee is studying the role of enslaved and disenfranchised populations in Rutgers history and has been asked to make recommendations to me on how the University can best acknowledge their influence on our history.

Furthermore, we have taken the following actions to advance inclusion in our community:

• Each of the cultural centers has received a 50 percent increase in their operating budgets.
• An Inter-Faith Center will be established so that students of all faiths have a space to practice their religion and engage in prayer or meditation.
• The Bias Prevention and Education Committee has been elevated to a Chancellor-level committee and will report to me to keep me apprised of the issues and concerns related to bias on campus. 
• Institutional funding to the Student Access and Educational Equity subdivision within the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs has been doubled to create the RU-1st! Initiative. This initiative will increase programming and academic support for Rutgers-New Brunswick students who are the first in their families to attend college or are part of an underrepresented group. 
• In addition, we are in active conversations with a dedicated group of alumni to establish the Paul Robeson Plaza, which will serve as a beacon to remember one of Rutgers’ greatest advocates for social justice.

I am sure that Tuesday’s event will not be the last to spark an examination of the relationship between freedom of expression, inclusion and civility at Rutgers. With that in mind, I encourage you all to continue discussing the right of free speech as well as the importance of respect and inclusion on our campus. Your involvement, your voice, and your engagement in these conversations are essential.  

Sincerely,

Richard L. Edwards, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick