Just as students need support to learn what is and is not appropriate for discussion, faculty members often require guidance on free speech for staff. Faculty have significant influence on students; they are the frontline to addressing difficult and sensitive political issues as they arise on campus, in the country, and throughout the world.
Faculty are unclear about what they can and cannot share with students. Administrative leaders are unsure how to respond to parent concerns. Students are left wondering why some opinions appear to be more acceptable or valued than others. To create a safe and consistent school experience for all stakeholders, school leaders should create a comprehensive speech and expression policy for faculty.
Use the following resource to determine your school’s expression policy maturity and the ideal policy for your school community. Then, use the guidance to write a clear and effective policy on faculty expression to share with your faculty and greater school community.
This resource is part of the Promote a Culture of Civility on Independent School Campuses Roadmap. Access the Roadmap for stepwise guidance with additional tools and research.
Use this to identify your school’s current expression policy. Determine if your policy is reactive, unclear, or proactive, as well the maturity of your policy.
Determine the ideal state for faculty speech and expression at your school. Find out if your faculty should be sharing their views unencumbered, with limitations, or not at all.
Look to the recommendations to write a clear and effective policy on faculty expression to share with your…