Student Handbook: Statement on Free Expression

Relevant Excerpt

A foundational principle of Northeastern University is that a global, multicultural, diverse and inclusive community is vital to learning, discovery, and innovation at the highest levels of human endeavor. As an institution of higher learning, Northeastern has a responsibility to foster a community that protects and supports free expression, welcomes open dialogue on critical issues, and maintains an inclusive educational environment where diverse views can be safely expressed and debated by community members in an atmosphere of civility and mutual respect .

Northeastern is a place for its community members to engage in open discourse on conflicting and diverse views and/or ideas, including those that others may find unwelcome, controversial, disagreeable, or even offensive. In the spirit of free expression, the university encourages professional, scholarly and respectful debate and critical thinking regarding differing views . In this way, the university enhances and increases opportunities for learning and expanding thought perspectives through experience and engagement with those whose opinions and experiences differ from our own .

This statement on free expression is neither intended to contravene Northeastern’s long- standing policy regarding academic freedom, nor imply acceptance of discrimination on the basis of protected categories or other forms of communication or action that violate university policy .