Brown University Rejects Institutional Neutrality, Defines When to Take a Public Stance

Corporation of Brown Approves Formal Guidelines on University Voice and Mission

Brown University has taken a significant step in defining its core institutional principles with the formal approval of the Statement of University Values and Voice. During its annual May meeting, the Corporation of Brown University, following faculty recommendations, endorsed the policy, marking a pivotal moment in the institution’s governance.

This newly established statement articulates four fundamental values that will guide the university’s mission for generations to come. These include the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, academic freedom and freedom of expression, a commitment to openness and diversity of perspectives, and responsibility for fostering a thriving academic community. By explicitly defining these principles, Brown University reinforces its dedication to intellectual excellence and open discourse.

In a May 28 message, President Christina H. Paxson highlighted that while the university’s charter and mission provided a foundational purpose, its core institutional values had never been clearly defined, nor had there been guidance on when to publicly take a stance on issues. She emphasised that the Statement of University Values and Voice, shaped through broad community input, is designed as a lasting framework to support university decision-making. The faculty-led Ad Hoc Committee on University Values and Voice, chaired by Professor James R. Kellner, was tasked with drafting clear and accessible principles to ensure consistency in Brown’s mission and governance approach. Composed of faculty, students, and senior administrators, the committee sought to define institutional guidelines that would stand the test of time.

Reflecting extensive campus engagement, the statement underwent several revisions to address concerns and reduce ambiguity. President Paxson noted that the committee had received nearly 800 written responses, with thousands of participants contributing through town halls and meetings. Before submission to the Brown Corporation, the statement was reviewed by faculty, with 72% voting in favour, 22% opposed, and 6% abstaining. President Paxson emphasised that the statement is not a reaction to any specific political issue but rather a long-term framework for guiding the university’s decision-making. She expressed confidence in the outcome, viewing it as an important step forward in institutional governance.

The Statement of University Values and Voice defines Brown’s public stance on issues, ensuring that statements are made only when they directly impact the university’s mission. It underscores the importance of discretion and shared governance, cautioning against taking positions on unrelated matters to preserve public trust, academic freedom, and the integrity of the university’s mission. The committee noted that Brown’s approach differs from conventional “institutional neutrality”, stating that the university may take positions on contentious issues, provided they align with its mission and values. President Paxson further announced that a working group, comprising students, faculty, and staff, will be formed in the next academic year to support implementation, in collaboration with the Faculty Executive Committee.

She explained that the group would assess how shared governance principles can guide the administration in determining when and how the university should use its voice on mission-related matters. Additionally, it will review how existing policies, committee responsibilities, and governance structures align with the new statement, ensuring consistency across all frameworks, including the Public Statements Policy (2022), faculty rules, and codes of conduct. By establishing this statement, Brown University strengthens its commitment to institutional integrity, academic freedom, and responsible governance, ensuring a clear and principled approach to decision-making in the years ahead.

Editor's Note:

Brown University has demonstrated a commendable initiative by officially adopting the Statement of University Values and Voice, thereby establishing a formal articulation of its institutional identity. The defined core values serve as an essential framework for both principled, mission-directed decision-making and official pronouncements. Brown's commitment to a vibrant intellectual milieu is substantiated by its focus on knowledge acquisition, academic autonomy, transparency, and communal accountability. Significantly, the Statement clarifies that the University retains the prerogative to adopt positions on contentious matters when such positions are consonant with its institutional mission, thus deviating from the principle of institutional neutrality. This clarification is of paramount importance during a period when the role of higher education in public dialogue is subject to scrutiny. Brown's newly developed governance framework presents a structured methodology; however, its uniform implementation is critical. Universities are obligated to reconcile advocacy with public confidence, a balance that Brown endeavours to achieve. An appointed working group shall supervise the execution of the framework, necessitating transparent stakeholder engagement.

Skoobuzz highlights that in addressing intricate challenges, Brown has formulated an explicit and accountable template for institutional communication, which other institutions may consider emulating.