PULLMAN, Wash. — In light of the incident which took place yesterday involving the Students for Life display on the Holland Library lawn, it’s important to remind our community again that WSU cherishes freedom of expression on its campuses.
As we noted in the fall, protecting the free exchange of ideas while encouraging dialogue that is constructive, respectful, and civil is one of the University’s core values.
Public universities are uniquely suited to be laboratories for free speech, a place where we can practice the skills needed in civic engagement. WSU creates space for ideas to be expressed, explored, considered, examined, critiqued, and supported. And the University also creates space for people to be treated with respect and dignity, encouraged to thrive and to learn in community.
These are not mutually exclusive goals. They are embedded in the practice of dialogue: listening with openness, questioning to understand, engaging in good faith efforts to reach clarity, if not agreement.
Media contact:
Robert Strenge, WSU News, 509-335-3583, rstrenge@wsu.edu