The University Faculty Council will explore whether to adopt a specific set of principles that would act as Indiana University’s central pillar in its institutional commitment to freedom of speech and expression.

In a memorandum from IU President Pamela Whitten to the council’s co-chairs Phil Goff, Bill Ramos and Susan Popham, Whitten asks the University Faculty Council to review the University of Chicago’s “Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression” — commonly known as the Chicago Principles — and recommend whether IU should adopt the principles.

Whitten asks the University Faculty Council to:

• Examine the Chicago Principles within the context of Indiana University’s commitment to academic freedom and free expression.
• Consider whether the university should adopt the Chicago Principles and make a recommendation to her for consideration by the full University Faculty Council.

“This review offers an opportunity to affirm, in a clear and enduring way, Indiana University’s commitment to freedom of thought and expression — the foundation of our excellence in teaching, research, creativity and service,” Whitten said.

The president explains in the memo that the Chicago Principles, developed in 2015, affirm that “universities have a fundamental responsibility to support open discourse and the free exploration of ideas — even those that may be challenging or unpopular.”

According to the Chicago Principles, “Fostering the ability of members of the University community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of the University’s educational mission.”

The memo states that more than 100 U.S. colleges and universities — including some in the Big Ten Conference — have adopted the principles.