13 college presidents unite to combat campus censorship and promote free speech.

A ​New Partnership to Promote Free Expression on College Campuses

A group of 13 presidents from several major colleges announced a groundbreaking partnership on Tuesday, dedicated to promoting free​ expression on their campuses. This initiative, known as the “Campus Call for Free‍ Expression,” was organized by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, an organization committed to educating young‌ people about the civic process and empowering‌ them to become effective ⁢citizens.

A Coalition of ‌Prestigious ‍Universities

This partnership brings ​together ⁢the leaders of some of ‌the nation’s most ⁣prestigious universities. The participating ​presidents represent⁣ Claremont McKenna College, the University of Notre Dame, Cornell University, Duke University, James Madison University, ⁤Benedict ⁤College, DePauw University,‍ Rollins College, Rutgers University,⁢ the University of ⁢Pittsburgh, the University of Richmond, Wellesley College, and⁤ Wesleyan University.

Commitment to Empowering Students

“Higher education plays a crucial role in preparing our young⁣ people to⁢ thrive and become empowered citizens and leaders of the future,” stated Rajiv Vinnakota, the president‍ of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. “This diverse coalition ⁤of college presidents, from institutions large and small, ‌private and public, is ‌united⁢ in its commitment ⁢to ensuring students are well-informed, engaged, and dedicated⁣ to democracy.”

Addressing Challenges to Free Expression

This new partnership comes at a time ⁤when ‌colleges face increasing scrutiny regarding ⁢their commitment to ⁤upholding⁣ the principles of free expression. Incidents where conservative speaking events were disrupted by protesters at schools​ like Stanford⁤ and San Francisco ‌State University have made headlines.‌ The Campus Call for Free⁣ Expression ⁢aims to ⁣address these challenges.

Enacting Programs to Promote Free Expression

The Knight Foundation is funding this endeavor, and the participating schools have committed⁢ to implementing various programs to promote free expression on their campuses. These⁤ initiatives will ⁣include speeches, ⁢events, and ‍university programs.

For example, James Madison University plans to partner with‌ the ⁣Bipartisan Policy Center to‍ provide “free expression training for every incoming first-year and‌ transfer student.” Wesleyan University⁤ will integrate discussions of free expression into their new student orientation.

Other programs include Cornell’s “Year of Free Speech” and a similar effort at Benedict‍ College. DePauw ⁢University⁢ and Rutgers University​ will focus their annual convocation remarks​ on the theme of free expression. Additionally, the president of Rutgers plans‍ to teach a course on citizenship, including free expression,⁤ through the lens of public institutions.

Through these initiatives, the Campus Call for Free Expression aims to foster an environment​ where diverse⁢ perspectives are respected and encouraged, ensuring that college campuses remain vibrant hubs of intellectual ‍discourse and democratic values.