Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University has announced the completion of the "Syracuse Statement" by a dedicated working group. This document, which defines free expression and free inquiry at the university, was developed over four months through nine forums and an all-campus survey. The working group unanimously endorsed, signed, and delivered the statement.

Chancellor Kent Syverud had tasked the group with engaging the campus community to understand their experiences and expectations regarding free expression and academic freedom. "I am grateful to the working group members and the many students, faculty, staff, and alumni whose input directly informed the creation of the 'Syracuse Statement,'" said Chancellor Syverud. He emphasized that this initiative underscores Syracuse University's commitment to fostering free speech and academic freedom.

The working group included university leaders, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. It was co-chaired by Gretchen Ritter, Vice Chancellor, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer; and Allen Groves, Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer. Other members comprised Martín Abreu Zavaleta (Assistant Professor of Philosophy), Mary Grace A. Almandrez (Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion), Steve Ballentine (Alumnus and University Trustee), Nina Brown (Associate Professor of Public Communications), Sean Drake (Assistant Professor of Sociology), Lauryn Gouldin (Crandall Melvin Professor of Law), Thomas Keck (Professor of Constitutional Law), Daniel Kimmel (President of Graduate Student Organization), Nathanael Linton (Law Student Representative), Gisele Marcus (Alumna and University Trustee), Behzad Mortazavi (Dean of College of Arts and Sciences), and William Treloar (President of Student Association).

"This has been an enormously beneficial experience—not just for the members of the working group but for everyone who thoughtfully contributed to this process," stated Ritter. She highlighted that every community member plays a role in upholding these principles.

Groves added that while not a policy statement, the "Syracuse Statement" is an aspirational goal reflecting community values aimed at fostering open dialogue on complex issues. He noted significant community participation in crafting this document.

The engagement process involved seeking feedback from various constituencies including undergraduate, graduate, law students; faculty; staff; and alumni. This input was crucial in shaping the final draft.

Key ideals emphasized in the "Syracuse Statement" include:

- Commitment to free expression and inquiry.

- Equal importance of free expression and academic freedom.

- Open deliberation for testing conflicting ideas.

- Restriction on expressions inciting violence or harassment.

- Faculty responsibility to encourage diverse viewpoints relevant to course topics.

- Faculty rights to speak publicly within their expertise.

- Defense against intimidation in scholarly pursuits.

Moreover, except under extraordinary circumstances aimed at protecting its mission, Syracuse University will maintain institutional neutrality on current controversies.

For more details on the "Syracuse Statement," visit the Academic Affairs website.