Freedom of Expression at Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University values the central importance of freedom of expression in a vibrant and intellectually challenging university community. Our commitment to honor, civility, and the free exchange of ideas defines who we are as an educational institution. These commitments often mean discomfort, challenge, and vigorous debate about ideas and the implications of ongoing thought and interpretation. We are committed to the civil and unfettered exchange of ideas, confident that a vibrant intellectual community can withstand disagreement and debate and find common ground even where we disagree.

In December 2015, the University Committee on Inclusiveness and Campus Climate unanimously approved the University of Chicago 2015 "Statement on Freedom of Expression" and the AAC&U 2006 "Statement on Academic Freedom and Educational Responsibility" as guiding documents for how we think about freedom of expression on our campus

• University of Chicago Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression
• AAC&U Board of Directors' Statement on Academic Freedom and Educational Responsibility

In addition, the Faculty Handbook affirms and describes "Academic Freedom" as follows:

Washington and Lee University affirms the belief that the free exchange of ideas is essential to the pursuit of knowledge and creation of an environment where faculty members are free to engage in scholarly research, teaching, and discourse without fear of censorship or reprisal. In these pursuits, faculty are expected to uphold the professional ethics of the academy and their respective disciplines. The university will foster and protect academic and expressive freedom and support faculty in the exercise of these freedoms. By promoting such freedom, the university aims to cultivate a dynamic academic culture, while balancing the rights and responsibilities of all members of the university community.

Freedom in Teaching and Instruction

Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom and any other learning environment when teaching their subject matter. This freedom carries the responsibility to encourage intellectual rigor and present material that is germane to the course. Faculty are expected to foster a learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and conducive to critical inquiry.

Freedom in Scholarly, Creative, and Professional Work

Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the pursuit of their scholarly, creative, and professional work. Faculty have a right to speak, write, curate, perform, research, and create without obstruction, disruption, or the fear of institutional censure, censorship, or retaliation.

Freedom of Expression as a Members of Society

Faculty members are entitled to express their views as private citizens, free from institutional censorship or discipline. In exercising this freedom, faculty members recognize that when they participate in public dialogue as private citizens that they are speaking for themselves and not the university.

The university affirms its commitment to these principles of academic freedom, understanding that they are essential to the fulfillment of its mission. Academic freedom serves both individual faculty members and the broader educational community by ensuring an environment where knowledge and ideas can be freely explored and debated. Even the most vigorous defense of intellectual and creative freedom has limits. Faculty members must ensure that in the exercise of their academic freedom they comply with all university policies, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to, those regarding protection of privacy, equal opportunity, discrimination, harassment, and the university's commitment to promoting the educational aspirations and achievements of all students and the broader mission of the university.