Marketplace of ideas

January 20, 2015

I want to reiterate my commitment to the university as a marketplace of ideas by posting here my statement about free speech:

In light of past and current events sponsored by—or taking place on—the campus, it is important that we remember that the university is—above all—a community of free inquiry and the free exchange of ideas.

A central function of the university then becomes fostering in its students a mature independence of mind. By policy (APM 010) and practice, the university rigorously honors the freedom to present the widest range of viewpoints irrespective of agreement on those viewpoints.

The opportunity for constructive debate on the merits of different viewpoints is essential to the advancement of knowledge. More importantly, the university honors the freedom to present the widest range of viewpoints without implying agreement or endorsement of the same.

Comments or questions? Write to chancellor@ucsc.edu and put "Speech" in the subject line.