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Our Mission

The University of Chicago has long been a staunch advocate for free expression and open inquiry in the academic setting. The University’s dedication derives from its understanding of the purpose of a university. As the influential Kalven Report to the University in 1967 states, “The mission of the university is the discovery, improvement, and dissemination of knowledge.” The report further declares, “A university, if it is to be true to its faith in intellectual inquiry, must embrace, be hospitable to, and encourage the widest diversity of views within its own community.”

The University adopted the Kalven Report, which prohibits the University or its official units from taking political or social positions that might quell intellectual diversity within its community. It also adopted what is broadly known as the Chicago Principles which “guarantees all members of the university community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn.” We as alumni are proud of this essential aspect of a University of Chicago education and believe it must be protected.

For a university to maintain its position as “the home and sponsor of critics,” certain reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions can be placed on expression. Actions such as shouting down speakers and using violence or other means to prevent individuals from attending an event are not considered protected expression but are the enemies of free inquiry. President Edward Levi expelled and suspended numerous students who forcibly occupied the Administration Building in 1969, not because they didn’t have the right to protest but because their use of force disrupted the function of the University to be a place of academic inquiry. Violent, physical, and intimidating demonstrations also discourage the diversity of viewpoints that are the foundation of a university.

The University of Chicago has faced numerous challenges to free expression over the years and faces a similar challenge today. We, the founders of the University of Chicago Free Speech Alliance, intend to engage our fellow alumni to encourage and strengthen the University to meet these challenges with full-throated support for free expression.

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