There have been many demonstrations of free speech on DU’s campus ranging from the Pro-Palestinian Encampment last spring to the outpour of disdain that the recent election results have caused. There are many free-speech actions that have been welcomed on campus, but many more that have not.
Nonetheless, student and faculty reactions to ongoing issues either at DU or in the world have been dismissed. By the chancellor, the provost, or certain faculty members, DU students’ ability to express their right to freedom of speech and expression has been stomped on one too many times.
Even despite DU’s new branding “For the Difference,” what is that difference in the respect for students’ free speech and expression?
Around two weeks ago, two speakers from Carleton College came onto campus to interact with DU’s students in the classroom and in a lecture given in the Korbel School of International Studies.
In attendance were our chancellor and our provost, among other faculty members, mainly from their office. The lecture was titled “Free Speech on Campus: Is the juice worth the squeeze?” Many thoughts entered my mind at that title but the main one was what is our chancellor going to do with this information?
During and after the lecture given by Dr. Amna Khalid and Dr. Jeff Snyder, there was talk and discussion as to how universities should and shouldn’t respond to outcries of importance from students on issues like the war in Gaza and the Black Lives Matter movement.
There was mention of how Wesleyan’s president responded to the widespread encampments that took place on many campuses including his own. His response was to encourage this kind of civil discourse and pluralism on campus.
Though this response may be true for Wesleyan’s campus, it is not true for DU’s campus, which was very apparent during the free speech on campus lecture. There was only silence that came from the chancellor’s corner when comments like these came out.
One question ended up overshadowing the rest of the conversation. When should universities respond with neutrality, or should they respond with neutrality at all?
The speakers responded in many ways from saying they shouldn’t respond with neutrality, to there are certain times when it’s ok to or to not respond at all.
Debates continued to ensue over the table and by the end there was tension in the air, pondering as to whether or not this information would be put to good use by the chancellor and provost. Lastly, is there “enough” free speech and freedom of expression on DU’s campus?
If you stop me on the Campus Green or in the Commons and ask me that question, my answer is no.
