University of Oregon Policies: Academic Freedom, Freedom of Inquiry, and Free Speech
University of Oregon
Relevant Excerpt
The commitment to free speech and freedom of inquiry described in this policy extends to all members of the UO community: faculty, staff, and students. It also extends to all others who visit or participate in activities held on the UO campus.
Free speech is central to the academic mission and is the central tenet of a free and democratic society. The university encourages and supports open, vigorous, and challenging debate on all issues of interest to the community. Further, as a public institution, the university will sustain a higher and more open standard for freedom of inquiry and free speech than may be expected or preferred in private settings.
Free inquiry and free speech are the cornerstones of an academic institution committed to the creation and transfer of knowledge. Expression of diverse points of view is crucial for learning and understanding, not solely for those who present and defend a view but for those who hear, disagree, and pass judgment on those views. The belief that an opinion is false, pernicious, despicable, detestable, or offensive cannot be grounds for its suppression.
The university supports free speech with vigor, including the right of presenters to offer opinion, the right of the audience to hear what is presented, and the right of protesters to challenge ideas, so long as protest does not disrupt or stifle the free exchange of ideas.