New Policy on Institutional Statements
Preview:
This past January, I appointed a committee to consider the question of Clark University adopting a policy of “institutional neutrality,” which I announced in a letter on February 1, 2024. At the heart of this question is whether the University should issue official statements on social and political events not directly related to Clark or to fundamental issues in higher education that could have bearing on Clark. Before now, we have had no clear guidelines or policy regarding this practice, leading to inconsistency and criticism about the potential undue influence institutional statements may have on free expression, academic freedom, discourse, and debate — all important values and principles core to our mission.
Originally published: June 10, 2024
Author: David Fithian
Position: President
Institution: Clark University
Published by: President's Office