by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Members of the Michigan Tech Community:
Our campus community is enriched by each individual voice on our campus. This includes our students, faculty, and staff who are first-generation, minority, LGBTQ+, nontraditional, traditional, commuter, residential, in-state, out-of-state, international, conservative, and liberal. We respect and celebrate the unique perspectives each of you offer.
Unfortunately, choices made by some individuals during events this past weekend tested the unity of our campus community and raised questions about the role a public university plays in protecting First Amendment rights.
As a public university, Michigan Tech is fundamentally bound to uphold the Constitutional right to free speech. We are legally prohibited from abridging free speech rights beyond restrictions on time, place, and manner, which are content and viewpoint neutral. And, as a taxpayer-funded entity, we cannot approve or deny requests from external or internal groups to use University space based on that group’s perspective.
However, as an institution of higher learning, we also emphasize a value system that prioritizes a respectful, diverse, and inclusive campus community. Our Student Code of Community Conduct promotes the mutual and respectful exchange of perspectives, personal experiences, and ideas that enhance the quality of our learning, interactions, and world view. With that said, everyone has the right to freedom of expression. But, in no way does the University condone hate speech or language that incites violence or fear.
Some of you have emailed me to express your frustration. Others have voiced their concerns publicly. Over the next few weeks, I, along with faculty, staff, and student representatives, will meet with our campus community to listen to your concerns, learn from your experiences, and collaborate on ideas that promote safety, inclusivity, equity, and respect on our campus.
We also encourage faculty, staff, and students to reflect on ways they can facilitate respectful dialogue among our broader community. In our multiple roles as parents, friends, club members, or members of faith communities, we can use our skills to demonstrate our values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect for differences.
The weeks leading up to the election will certainly test our resolve, both individually and as a campus community. We encourage you to demonstrate how free speech contributes to, rather than detracts from, the democratic process by using your free speech rights. We implore you to serve as a model for respect and reason. And, please vote.
Sincerely,
Rick Koubek
President