´ºË®ÌÃÊÓƵ

Dear students and colleagues,
Ìý
Encouraging the safe and open exchange of ideas on our campus is central to our mission as a university – and one of our greatest opportunities to positively impact humanity.Ìý

I’m proud to be part of a campus that has a history of encouraging academic freedom and hosting a wide variety of speakers, perspectives and ideas. I also recognize that, at times, engaging with those ideas is challenging.Ìý

This academic year will likely be no exception. I’m taking this opportunity to ask everyone at CU Boulder to remember our common humanity and remember that universities are places where you learn and grow – and that includes engaging with one another’s unique perspectives.Ìý

At CU Boulder, we have four guiding principles:

1. Courage. CU Boulder welcomes a variety of ideas and perspectives with the understanding that they will be shared, discussed and debated and could be ignored, embraced or rejected. Discomfort and conflict do not necessarily signal a problem; instead, they are an opportunity for growth. We will support the needs of our community members while maintaining open forums on campus and online so that our faculty, staff and students can listen and be heard.
   Ìý
2. Curiosity. We seek to understand the nuance existing within many contested issues and explore why others hold a particular perspective. By listening and interacting with an open mind, we can expand our understanding and clarify – or sometimes even change – our personal beliefs.
   Ìý
3. Care. This campus is open to all, and we expect everyone to be treated equitably, particularly when we disagree. As we exchange ideas, we will prevent and address threats, harassment and barriers to access for everyone at CU Boulder.
   Ìý
4. Consistency. Each student, faculty and staff member is expected to be familiar with policies governing the use of university facilities and resources; student organizations; faculty, staff and student conduct; and all applicable federal, state and regent laws. The university administration will follow our established protocols at all times, including upholding policies that prohibit encampments. We will also hold students, faculty and staff accountable when rules are violated or when conduct or speech cross the lines into discrimination, harassment, threats to public safety, or limitations on others’ right to access educational facilities.

Universities are places where difficult conversations can and must safely occur, a necessity for our democracy and global societies. The purpose of the First Amendment is to encourage speech, not stifle it. The best way to win an argument is by persuading, not silencing, our critics. Visit our to learn more.Ìý

This semester, I encourage each of you to not only permit but to seek out perspectives that differ from your own. Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world.

Sincerely,
Ìý
Justin

Chancellor Justin SchwartzÌý

P.S.: For members of our community who are U.S. citizens, one of the best ways to make your voice heard is by voting. Look for more information from CU Boulder throughout the fall, including a little healthy competition with CSU!

University Statements Approach - Fall 2024Ìý

Conflicts, world events and controversial moments happen that impact people on our campus every semester. Rather than taking positions and issuing administrative statements, in these moments the campus will instead: 1) encourage opportunities to process and learn through the academic expertise of our faculty, 2) provide direct outreach to affected student and employee groups with offers of support, and 3) activate resources for mental health and wellness, dialogue and community-building needs.Ìý

The CU Boulder administration may send communications and take positions on issues, incidents or other situations that affect core functions of the university.Ìý