Dear UAH Faculty and Staff,
At last week's meeting of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, a resolution and Board Rule update passed affirming our longstanding practice of institutional neutrality on political and social issues.
The pre-existing resolution and Board Rule were amended only to codify the Board’s commitment to institutional neutrality, and they reflect our commitment to freedom of speech and expression for all members of the UAH community and the many ways we protect that freedom, including remaining neutral as an institution unless our core operations are impacted, encouraging debate and deliberation of ideas, and using our System facilities as impartial public forums, all while maintaining a safe and welcoming environment. The content of the resolution and Board Rule make clear that they do not prevent students or employees from exercising their individual First Amendment rights; rather, these actions were taken to affirm our System-wide commitment to academic freedom and free speech.
As an institution, UAH will join our sister campuses in remaining neutral on political and social issues that do not directly affect the institution’s core operations. UAH will not make any statements or take a position on current events and issues. UAH will continue to promote civil discourse, in line with our core values, and our varied campus resources.
Individuals come to colleges and universities to learn, study and to expand their knowledge. We will continue to encourage a healthy and respectful dialogue and we create opportunities for students, faculty and staff to participate in a robust exchange of ideas and perspectives.
You can find more information on our Free Speech page with a link to the institutional neutrality resolution.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Charles L. Karr
President
