Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Last spring, following a meeting of the General Faculty, I announced the creation of two working groups to address different aspects of dialogue and debate on campus. One of these groups produced Dartmouth’s new policy on institutional restraint, promoting greater freedom of expression for community members on our campus. Meanwhile, the Committee on Freedom of Expression and Dissent—chaired by Associate Dean of the Faculty Samuel Levey and including student, faculty, and staff representatives—was charged with reviewing Dartmouth's policies around freedom of expression.
At a time when many peer institutions are looking at their policies and applying greater restrictions, our policy has been expanded and will provide greater protections for expression by students. The Steering Committee of the General Faculty accepted the committee’s final report in November, and we worked to integrate the report’s recommendations into campus policies and guidelines. We are also working to integrate these changes into all student handbooks in time for the next academic year. The updated policy broadens, strengthens, and clarifies Dartmouth’s commitment by:
- Codifying the practice (which aligns with key protections under U.S. constitutional law) that any limitation imposed by Dartmouth administration on expressive activity must be content and viewpoint neutral, narrowly tailored to serve a substantial institutional interest, and explicitly define that interest;
- Explaining how students’ right to free expression and dissent applies in the classroom and at formal athletics events or institutional arts programs; and
- Distinguishing between protected expression and actions that disrupt events or campus activities, such as civil disobedience.
I encourage you to read the policy and explore the associated FAQs. In the coming days and weeks, there will be additional communications, including public forums, with Professor Levey and Senior Vice President for Community and Campus Life Jennifer Rosales who will provide practical guidance and context for how the policy will work and answer questions you may have about the policy.
My thanks to the committee for its work and to all of you who engaged in the process.
Best,
David Kotz '86
Provost