Dear Southwestern Community,

Our spring semester will soon be at an end, and I want to address the debates over the boundaries of academic freedom that have been mounting in public discourse and on university campuses around the country. That social context means it has never been more important to hold true to our values. Southwestern is a private university; as such, we have the freedom to set our own policies. As we look to the next academic year, I would like to reaffirm the values that will continue to guide our trajectory.

Our reputation for academic excellence has stemmed from our faculty. Southwestern faculty are committed to shaping rigorous, collaborative educational experiences while remaining active within their scholarly discipline. As an institution we are wholly committed to protecting the academic freedom that faculty require, so they can write and speak without fear of censorship, interference, or undue influence.

“Academic freedom is the cornerstone of the free society, and it will be scrupulously defended at the University.”Southwestern University Faculty Handbook, adopted by the Board of Trustees in 1999.

We believe the pursuit of academic truth is inextricably intertwined with cultivating diverse perspectives. That belief extends to every aspect of our educational approach: the students we admit, the professors we employ, and the voices we elevate in the classroom.

Making space for diverse voices, traditions, and beliefs is directly tied to the strength of our educational offerings, the quality of our dialogue, and the health of our community.

As we continue to work together to build a more just and inclusive community at Southwestern with academic freedom at its center, there is a timeliness in reminding ourselves about the purpose of our profession and the vital role of the university.

Sincerely,

Laura Skandera Trombley
President

May 9, 2024