The Value of Institutional Neutrality for Free Inquiry
Last fall, the First Amendment Law Review at the University of North Carolina hosted a symposium on campus free speech issues. The issue with articles from the symposium is now out. You can find my contribution here.
The article is called “The Value of Institutional Neutrality for Free Inquiry.” There are multiple reasons for universities to adopt a policy of what has become known as “institutional neutrality.” This article focuses on the value of such an institutional policy for protecting a climate of free inquiry for individual scholars at the institution.
The article revolves around three core concerns about how a departure from institutional neutrality norms damages free inquiry.
One is mission erosion.
Scholarly institutions that seek to take positions on matters of social and political controversy have altered their core mission and have done so in a way that will do damage to that mission. Rather than being a forum within which scholarly controversies rage, the university will position itself as a judge of those controversies. Rather than playing host to ongoing scholarly disagreements, the university will attempt to authoritatively settle those disagreements. Rather than privileging the process of scholarly disputation, the university will come to privilege a set of particular scholarly findings and conclusions. Rather than elevating expertise to better inform the polity, the university will exalt non-expert opinion in the hopes of influencing the polity. Institutional statements risk subverting the university’s commitment to free inquiry into difficult and controversial subjects.
Especially at the level of academic units, empowering departmental faculty to issue institutional political statements bre
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
