Posted 11:17 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
Sent to all UWL personnel
Greetings UWL faculty and staff,
Our colleagues at the Universities of Wisconsin have issued an interim policy on institutional statements. https://www.wisconsin.edu/uw-policies/uw-system-administrative-policies/interim-institutional-statements/ This policy reinforces the importance of institutional neutrality on major issues. And importantly, it upholds the freedom of expression for individuals which is a fundamental tenet of UWL’s mission to discover truth and disseminate knowledge. We ask that you take time to become familiar with it.
Broadly speaking, the policy advises university leadership to avoid taking official positions on matters of public concern or controversy, unless those matters directly affect the core functions of the university. This interim policy is similar to previous informal guidelines for institutional statements, but more clearly defines when and by whom these statements can be made.
This position is what creates space for the discussion, debate and intellectual pursuits that are essential to our mission. Institutional neutrality is what allows us to acknowledge different perspectives and facilitate conversation, which is among our most important work as a public university. To be clear, this does not mean dismissing the lived experiences of others or refusing to engage in difficult conversations. We each have a responsibility to support our students and colleagues, and to help foster an environment of free and respectful expression.
James M. Beeby PhD, FRHistS
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse