Hosting spaces where diverse ideas and perspectives can flourish and be discussed openly is central to Washington State University’s mission as a public university.
To avoid the risk of unintentionally stifling that spirit of open and respectful engagement, WSU is committing itself to remain impartial on contentious political and social issues.
“We are a public university where competing ideas should be debated vigorously in a civil fashion,” WSU President Kirk Schulz said. “It is critical that the university and its leadership not impinge on that vital process. We must do everything we can to maintain a fair and respectful public square for members of our communities across the state.”
The university’s position of institutional neutrality was influenced, in part, by a 1995 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, writing for the majority, stated that for a university to “cast disapproval on particular viewpoints of its students risks the suppression of free speech and creative inquiry in one the vital centers for the Nation’s intellectual life, its college and university campuses.”
WSU’s institutional neutrality statement is available to read in-full online.
Though WSU campuses are public venues for the discussion of ideas, they are not havens for speech or behavior that disrupts university operations, or threatens or discriminates against others. It’s important to note, however, not all ideas that are considered offensive to some are actionable by the university.
Potential violations of community conduct standards should be reported to local campus security or campus police depending on the location and to the Center for Community Standards. Potential instances of hate speech or discriminatory harassment should be reported via an online form to Compliance and Civil Rights.
More information on WSU’s role as a public institution can be found on its Freedom of Speech website.
WSU’s neutrality stance will allow for exemptions in cases where an issue impacts the university community as a whole or a topic impacts the functioning of the institution. Any exemptions would be made in consultation with the university president, provost, and vice president of marketing and communications, with other stakeholders brought into discussions depending on the matter at hand.
