Shifting Into Neutral: It's a Thing!

Last Friday, we posted about Berkeley's new chancellor deciding to be neutral about non-university events.* It's in fact a thing that's going around among university leaders throughout the country. From the University of Minnesota:

Office of the President

Dear students, faculty, and staff, As we embark on an exciting fall semester—my first here at the University of Minnesota—my energy and enthusiasm for what we can accomplish together grows by the minute. I am writing to you today to help set expectations for when the University community should expect to hear—and not hear—from me. University presidents around the country are often called on to issue public statements in response to a wide range of global issues—from natural disasters and armed conflicts overseas, to international health outbreaks and political elections. Like many of you, I have strong personal feelings and opinions on many of these issues, and a deep sense of empathy for those, near and far, who suffer as a result of these events. But it is important to separate my personal reactions, however deeply felt, from my role as President. As President, I am fundamentally committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives are fully embraced and where dialogue across our differences—with vibrant civic engagement—is encouraged. That is core to the University’s mission of research, education and outreach. A statement from the President, however careful, can have the effect of excluding those who disagree and inhibiting dialogue. For that reason, I will refrain from commenting publicly on the vast majority of global issues, unless they are directly tied to the University of Minnesota’s mission, its work, and its identity. There are separate discussions taking place collaboratively with shared governance across our University about departmental and unit statements, and you will hear more about those in the coming months. Rest assured that your individual rights to free speech are respected and guaranteed, as are the principles of academic freedom. Today, I want to focus on my role as President. As President, the way I can best support our community as we grapple with complex challenges and tensions is by helping you tap the deep wells of knowledge, expertise, creativity, and energy existing across our campuses. Working with our faculty, administration, students, and the broader community, I will support forums where you can engage in unfettered inquiry. I will also work intensely to protect your physical and psychological safety, health and wellness. In an environment of viewpoint diversity, these are my highest priorities. I understand some members of our University community will disagree with my position, and I respect that. I will strive to uphold open lines of communication on important issues that directly impact our mission. When there are critical updates regarding University operations, you will hear from me. And when there are opportunities to celebrate our shared accomplishments, you will most definitely hear from me. I look forward to working with you to leverage the power of open and free inquiry so that we can push the boundaries of research and scholarship, transform learning and teaching, and strengthen our public engagement for the betterment of society. Sincerely, Rebecca Cunningham President

This email was sent to all systemwide students, faculty, and staff by the Office of the President, 100 Church St S.E., Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA. Source: https://view.ecommunications2.umn.edu/?vawpToken=EC24USJZ3JIEFHXFD6LOZPWF5I.60244. === *https://uclafacultyassociation.blogspot.com/2024/09/berkeley-chancellor-interview.html.