Does Dartmouth have speech codes that curtail free expression on campus?
No we do not. There are no codes. My convocation remarks in September provide a pretty clear and explicit statement of the high value that I place upon free speech. Academic institutions such as Dartmouth depend upon the free exchange of ideas and we cannot tolerate speech codes. At Convocation, I made clear that freedom to speak does not provide freedom from criticism for that which is spoken””and I urged students to engage more fully in debating and sharing views that are a part of the learning process. Part of the basis for this concern about the College stems from the accusation made by FIRE (The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) that the College has speech codes. Trustee T.J. Rodgers, a libertarian who is passionate about free speech, had referred to this ranking in his petition candidacy for the Board last year. A few weeks ago Mr. Rodgers wrote to FIRE suggesting that they reassess this ranking because he was satisfied that the College does not have such a code and
