Civil Discourse

“As a dean and a physician, I care deeply about the well-being of our community. It is essential that we look out for one another and foster an environment of mutual respect and support. Our strength lies in our ability to engage in civil discourse, where diverse perspectives can coexist, and where we can collaboratively strive to improve health outcomes for all. I do not expect neutrality in our discussions; instead, I urge you to embrace a spirit of universal care—both for each other and for the patients and communities we serve.”

Aron Sousa, MD
Dean, Michigan State University
College of Human Medicine

University Principles

• Prioritize safety of campus community.
• Duty of Care, our responsibility to care for our students and employees.
• Ensuring the continuation of education for students, and employment of our faculty and staff (day-to-day operations of core university functions).
• Commitment to Free Speech.

University Mission

• Michigan State University is a place of learning, growth and the exchange of ideas. A public university, especially a land-grant university, welcomes and respects all people and beliefs – it is a place where intellectual debate thrives.
• The free flow of ideas is not only encouraged at MSU, but it is essential to our mission.
• It is through robust discussions, questioning and the challenging of ideas that we advance knowledge and cultivate critical thinking.
• Universities like MSU are purpose-built for bridging divides. From residence halls to classrooms, universities are often the first place where students learn to work alongside people with different views and values. And this allows students to better understand their neighbors.

MSU's Position on Institutional Statements

• Making room for Spartans’ diverse voices and perspectives calls on university leaders to exercise thoughtful restraint regarding statements on local, state, national and international incidents, or current events.
• The university, its colleges and its departments should refrain from issuing institutional statements unless incidents or current events threaten MSU’s core missions or directly impact the MSU community. 
• Institutional restraint does not mean our expert faculty should sideline themselves in any public conversation; scholarly voices are needed now as much as ever to elevate public discourse.
• The university will continue to uphold the dignity and worth of all people by living our values of collaboration, equity, excellence, integrity and respect.
• When our students need support, the College of Human Medicine stands ready with resources along with MSU’s resources.
• This web page on institutional restraint summarizes the university’s position and includes FAQs.

Free Speech

• Fundamental right protected by the First Amendment.
• Bedrock upon which our academic freedom rests.
• At MSU, we uphold this right, ensuring that every member of our community has the opportunity to express their viewpoints.
• This commitment is unwavering even as we navigate the complexities and sensitivities of today’s environment.
• Areas not protected – true threat and intention to harm and discriminatory harassment.
• Need to balance when speech crosses into harassment/Title VI/safety concerns.
• University cannot prohibit a person or group from speaking on campus because some in our community may not agree with the person or position, or even because the speech is considered offensive. But just because we uphold the law does not mean the university endorses or approves of the speech in any way.
• Respect and believe in the rights of peaceful protests. While anyone may gather to exercise their rights, the university can prohibit significant disruption of university operations

Civil Discourse

• With the freedom to speak comes responsibility in civil discourse.
• Civil discourse recognizes that words can have consequences, and is a commitment to active listening, responding thoughtfully and debating respectfully.
• It involves the understanding that disagreement need not equate to disrespect.
• In a time when public dialogue can often become polarizing and hostile, we must exemplify the values of respect and empathy.

Political Activity

• MSU recognizes the free exchange of ideas on its campus and the role of political parties and elections in the United States political system of governance.
• As a public institution serving and supported by all the people of the State of Michigan, MSU avoids political favoritism and partisan activity.