In 2014, the University of Chicago responded to a trend of schools and universities disinviting speakers due to their unpopular views by creating a faculty committee. This committee was tasked with articulating the University's commitment to "free, robust, and uninhibited debate and deliberation among all members of the University’s community."
The following year, the committee's report stated that "debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University community to be offensive, unwise, immoral or wrong-headed." This report is now known as the Chicago Principles. It has been praised by institutions and free expression advocates and adopted by over 110 colleges and universities seeking to uphold free inquiry and expression. However, it has also faced criticism as higher education continues to evolve.
On January 31, the University of Chicago will host an event at the Rubenstein Forum in collaboration with the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. The event will discuss the past, present, and future of the Chicago Principles while examining topics related to free expression at UChicago and other campuses nationwide. This event is part of a series marking the 10th anniversary of the Chicago Principles.
President Paul Alivisatos commented on their significance: “The ideas and values that comprise the Chicago Principles emerged in the University’s earliest days and have been tested over a long period before being written in codified form during a period of crisis around free expression on campuses nationally,” he said. “That they have become so widely celebrated is a true testament to their relevance. The Chicago Principles are an enduring bedrock for truth-seeking institutions of higher education.”
The event will start at 10 a.m., featuring Provost Katherine Baicker's welcome speech followed by Alivisatos' keynote address. At 10:30 a.m., five original Committee on Freedom of Expression members will discuss their reflections on the principles after ten years. Prof. Tom Ginsburg will moderate this discussion with UChicago professors Marianne Bertrand, Geoffrey Stone, Kenneth Warren, Amanda Woodward, and Columbia University's Provost Angela Olinto.
At noon, Prof. Nick Feamster will join Zeynep Tufekci from Princeton University for a conversation about free expression concerning emerging technologies. At 1 p.m., UChicago faculty will explore contemporary challenges and future prospects for free expression under Prof. Ethan Bueno de Mesquita's moderation.
“The Committee on Freedom of Expression’s report was an important articulation of the University’s tradition and values—and became a touchstone for other colleges and universities,” said Ginsburg. “Ten years later, it’s an important time to re-examine the role of the Chicago Principles as we continue to wrestle with free expression.”
The public can attend this free event either in person or via webcast; RSVPs are required for individual sessions through its website.