University of Chicago Bravely Stands for Free Speech in Welcome Letter from Dean

Aimee Herd-Op/Ed : Aug 30, 2016
Dallas News

"Diversity of opinion and background is a fundamental strength of our community." -John Ellison, Dean of Students

It's too bad that this isn't the norm these days, and that it would be nothing out of the ordinary—but since free speech on college campuses is becoming more and more rare, I—and others in the media who value our First Amendment right—feel the need to highlight the University of Chicago Dean's "refreshing" letter to the entering Class of 2020. (Photo credit: Joshua Lott/The New York Times/via Dallas News)

While increasingly we see college and university administration cowering to the few-but-loud voices crying for politically correct "safe spaces" on campus where any opinion that is not completely inclusive is not allowed. 
 
(Side note: These "inclusive safe spaces" seem to always EXclude any pro-Christian, pro-Israel, or pro-life view, as these are seen as politically incorrect and therefore also not allowed)

This is why we applaud Dean of Students, John Ellison, for his courageous welcome letter that flies in the face of the PC dictators.
 
Here are a few excerpts, you can read the whole thing here. 
 
Once here you will discover that one of the University of Chicago's defining characteristics is our commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression ... Members of our community are encouraged to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, without fear of censorship ... You will find that we expect members of our community to be engaged in rigorous debate, discussion, and even disagreement. At times this may challenge you and even cause discomfort.
 
Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called "trigger warnings," we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual "safe spaces" where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.
 
Fostering the free exchange of ideas reinforces a related University priority—building a campus that welcomes people of all backgrounds...
 
You get the idea: Free Speech 101!
 
We can only hope—for the proper education of our students, and the betterment of society—that this catches on.