Dear students,
As mentioned prior to the start of the term, our campus flourishes when each member of our community feels empowered to express their views, engage in constructive dialogue, and participate in meaningful conversations. Dartmouth’s mission of teaching, learning, and knowledge creation relies on the free expression of diverse perspectives.
In our steadfast commitment to upholding that core value, we are dedicated to working together as a community. Accordingly, we wish to share updates on our progress on two recent initiatives and invite you to town hall discussions where we aim to gather your feedback on these proposed changes and initiatives.
First, a faculty-led working group was charged with reviewing the Freedom of Expression and Dissent policy. This group, consisting of faculty, staff, and students, has engaged with many voices across campus—meeting regularly over the summer and fall terms with representatives from various offices and stakeholder groups—to understand the policy and provide recommended alterations. A summary of the group’s proposed updates to Dartmouth’s Freedom of Expression and Dissent policy can be found here.
Second, Dartmouth has developed the Freedom of Expression Advisory Team (FEAT) to promote community engagement during periods of conflict. We understand that expressive activities might not always fall within the bounds of Dartmouth policy. To continue working together as a community, FEAT intends to maintain open channels of communication between administrators and student groups, identify and articulate common ground during periods of conflict, and advise and inquire so individuals can make informed decisions regarding their participation in related activities. This protocol is centered on protecting free expression and balancing the rights of all members of our community. A proposed protocol for this program can be found here.
As we establish the FEAT and finalize our review of the Freedom of Expression and Dissent policy, we are committed to regular evaluation and refinement as part of a larger, ongoing effort to find the best ways to support free expression. The only way we thrive as a community is to work together.
You are invited to the following opportunities to share your feedback and questions:
- Town Halls: We will host two town hall meetings on Thursday, Oct. 24 to discuss the Freedom of Expression and Dissent Policy and the Freedom of Expression Advisory Team.
- Noon to 1 p.m. in Sudikoff 007 (basement of Sudikoff)
- 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. in Sudikoff 007
After a brief presentation, we look forward to an open dialogue and an opportunity for your questions and feedback. Lunch and dinner will be provided. We ask interested students to RSVP so that we may plan for food.
- Focus Groups: We will host four, 60-minute focus groups over the next two weeks with undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Unlike the town halls, which offer a broad forum for community dialogue, the focus groups will provide a smaller setting for participants to share detailed feedback and have deeper discussions. If you are interested in participating in a focus group, we invite you to sign up. Refreshments will be provided.
- Feedback Form: If you are unable to attend the town halls or focus groups, we invite you to submit your questions and feedback.
We are eager to hear from a wide range of students, as diverse perspectives are crucial in guiding our work and ensuring that the policy and program truly reflects our community’s needs. If you want to learn more about freedom of expression and dissent at Dartmouth, visit this website. We look forward to these valuable conversations.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Rosales
Senior Vice President for Community and Campus Life
Sam Levey
Associate Dean of the Faculty for the Arts and Humanities
Dartmouth Professor of Philosophy