OU adopts Chicago Statement regarding free speech

Jan. 12—The University of Oklahoma recently adopted the Chicago Statement, a document that promotes free speech on campus. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression supports it.

OU released a statement stating that the Chicago Statement matches OU’s policies on free expression and academic liberty. It also stated that the decision to adopt the Chicago Statement was based on an assessment and recommendation of the university’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Freedom of Speech and Inquiry Committee.

Joseph Harroz Jr. OU president said that the Chicago Statement, which is widely regarded as the gold standard’ declaration on the importance freedom of speech in higher education, cuts to the heart of who we are as a research university. Its adoption by the OU affirms the importance we place on these fundamental rights, while instilling a culture that respects all and dignity.

According to FIRE, the statement was developed first at the University of Chicago in 2015. Since then, more than 90 universities have adopted it or made similar statements.

The University of Oklahoma stated in a statement to The Transcript that the adoption would not require infrastructure or personnel changes.

“As the university lives upto its promise of being a place that champions civility and constructive discourse, and the robust pursuit for truth and information, it will be inevitable that there will be controversies about viewpoint differences,” the OU statement states. The Chicago Statement will serve as a guideline for such times, and a reminder of how to interact with one another.

Mary Griffin, a senior program officer for FIRE, based out of Philadelphia, is an expert on Chicago Statement and said that she appreciates OU’s decision in implementing the free speech document.

“The official adoption of the Chicago Statement strengthens free expression for all on campus — including both faculty and students. Griffin said that although some people may be tempted by the free speech promises in the statement to engage with offensive expression, the overall effect will be an improved campus climate.

According to the Supreme Court’s interpretation, the First Amendment, the Chicago Statement does no protect against hate speech.

Griffin stated, “Not all speech is protected under the First Amendment: Expressions that constitute harassment, a true threat,’ incitement or other violations of the First Amendment’s categorical exceptions can be subject to regulation.”

She also stated that the Chicago Statement doesn’t directly address misinformation.

“The statement encourages members of university communities to debate and discuss the merits competing ideas. Griffin said that the spirit of Griffin’s statement would encourage students, faculty, and staff to question and debate any misinformation they find in order to seek truth.

The Chicago Statement was adopted to promote free speech on campus for all students and faculty.

Griffin stated that while some might lean on the statements regarding offensive expression and free speech, the end result will be a better campus climate for expression. “This improved campus climate encourages discussion and discourse so students, and other people who wish to counter hateful and offensive ideas, will feel confident in the administration’s support for their rights.”