Statement on Public Discourse

As Jayhawks, we share a mission and a commitment to a common set of values. Among those are academic freedom, integrity and freedom of speech. As an educational institution, the University of Kansas is stronger when we engage with one another, when we show respect to one another, and when we work hard to develop empathy as we actively welcome the world’s diversity to our campus. While the world is filled with unrest, uncertainty and conflict, KU is a place of peace, dignity and mutual respect. Our university must always be a place where all members can respectfully connect, discuss challenging issues, develop well-considered opinions and perspectives, and, as is so often necessary, agree to disagree. We know that diversity of thought makes us stronger as an institution and as a society. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution empowers us all to share our thoughts, beliefs and differing experiences, but it cannot guarantee civility in that engagement. The civility of our discourse is entirely in our hands and is a collective responsibility of all Jayhawks. We must expect nothing less of ourselves or of those around us.