2020-33

Arizona State University

University Senate

Senate Motion #2020-33

Motion Introduced by: University Academic Council

Date of Motion: December 2, 2019

Title of Motion: Resolution Supporting President Crow’s Statement on Free Speech, Civil Discourse, and Student Conduct

Action Requested: The University Academic Council recommends approval of this resolutio

Resolution

WHEREAS, Arizona State University requires a robust exchange of ideas, for the intellectual development of students and the university mission of knowledge production;

WHEREAS, Arizona State University has on occasion been targeted by individuals and groups espousing hateful ideas and rhetoric;

WHEREAS, even hateful expressions are protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and cannot be censored by the University;

WHEREAS, speech in the form of threats to persons or groups is not protected under the Constitution or University policies; and

WHEREAS, on November 20, 2019, Arizona State University President Michael Crow issued via email and subsequently made available online a University-wide statement articulating the University’s commitment to protecting individuals’ freedom of speech, simultaneously asserting the University’s intolerance of all acts and speech that threaten the safety and well-being of individuals and groups in the University community;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Arizona State University Senate, representing all faculty members and academic professionals,

1. publicly asserts and affirms support for President Crow’s clear and timely statement of November 20, 2019;

2. remains committed to freedom of expression at ASU, as demonstrated through their adoption of the Chicago principles related to freedom of expression; and

3. will actively circulate this resolution to all members of the University community, including students, staff, and faculty.

President Michael Crow’s statement on Free Speech, civil discourse, and Student Conduct: https://president.asu.edu/statements/statement-from-asu-president-michael-m-crow-on-free-speech-civil-discourse-and-student