PETITION TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH ON CAMPUS

We, the undersigned individuals, with varying political ideologies and connections to the institutions of higher education in our nation, call on the leaders of colleges and universities to make a declaration of commitment to free speech on campus and to take concrete steps to protect students and guests expressing varying view points.

Colleges and universities exist to foster open inquiry, civil debate, and the exchange of ideas, even ideas that are unpopular or controversial. Unfortunately conservative students and invited speakers when lawfully sharing their viewpoints routinely face harassment, intimidation, threats, and recently the worst of all possible scenarios, death.

We therefore respectfully demand:

• Accountability. Hold accountable those who incite, engage in, or glorify violence.
• Safety. Ensure that conservative students and guests receive the same level of protection and respect as all other groups on campus, in the classroom and during events affiliated with the school.
• First Amendment Protection. Publicly affirm the university’s commitment to our constitutional and institutional principles of free expression, regardless of political ideology.
• Culture of Respect. Actively encourage all members of the institution to engage in dialogue without resorting to intimidation, disruption, or violence, and safeguard classrooms as spaces for genuine debate and discussion, not indoctrination.

We urge administrators and influencers to recognize that the diversity they value includes most importantly diversity of thought if our colleges and universities are to remain bastions of intellectual freedom.

Likewise, we affirm our commitment to engaging in and promoting respectful, civil discourse and working with institutions to support the satisfaction of our demands.