Title: Emulating Dartmouth's Institutional Restraint Policy as a Template for Others
Dartmouth College recently introduced a new policy titled "Institutional Restraint," which encourages general caution when issuing official statements on controversial social issues. The goal is to create a space for various perspectives to surface and be examined thoroughly.
The policy, resulting from an extensive process led by an ad-hoc committee, replaced an existing policy from 2022. It applies to the institution, its individual colleges, academic departments, and centers.
This restrained approach differs from two proposed views: universities should maintain neutrality on public issues or be entitled/obligated to voice in on them with official statements. The first position might be too restrictive, while the second might lead to significant challenges.
"Neutrality," derived from the Kalven Report written in 1967, is a controversial concept, with proponents arguing it protects individual freedoms but might also bind institutions to silence on important matters. On the other hand, expansive institutional commentary may present philosophical and pragmatic hurdles.
Dartmouth's decision to exercise restraint balances engaging in discussions while avoiding silence. The policy favors caution over blanket prohibitions while allowing exceptional circumstances for official comments upon mission-critical matters.
The report guiding the policy's formulation was shaped by faculty input and approved by a general faculty committee. The report includes principles for deciding when to issue statements, amongst other recommendations.
According to the policy, institutional statements will come from select individuals, such as the president, provost, senior vice president for communications, director of media relations, and general counsel. Faculty and students may express their views, but they must clarify they do not represent Dartmouth.
President Sian Leah Beilock emphasizes her focus on attracting a diverse, intellectually curious student body, prioritizing civil discourse, and prioritizing individual expression. The policy encourages departments and academic units to establish voting procedures for statements and submit a tally to the provost in advance.
Public statements must be published separately to avoid confusion and carry a disclaimer, specifying they do not represent the entire institution. Carey affirms that these rules aim to protect minority opinions and reduce intimidation in local academic hierarchies.
This "Institutional Restraint" policy at Dartmouth aims to promote a culture of inclusivity, respect, and open discussion, furthering academic freedom, student engagement, and balanced representation within the community.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression praised Dartmouth's new "Institutional Restraint" policy, noting its alignment with the principle of institutional neutrality. John Carey from the Goldwater Institute commended the policy for protecting minority opinions and reducing intimidation in academia. Sian Leah Beilock, the University of Chicago alumna and Dartmouth's president, cited the school's tradition of free expression, as outlined in the famous Kalven Report, as an inspiration for the policy. Dartmouth's policy also drew influence from the institutional restraint concept discussed in academic contexts, particularly at famous institutions like the University of Chicago and Dartmouth College itself.
