SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously approved a resolution on Friday establishing expectations for implementing free speech principles across Utah’s public college and university campuses.
The thesis of the resolution is primarily focused on higher education institutions remaining neutral when it comes to controversial political issues, social issues or events, while simultaneously empowering students to practice free speech and expression, no matter where they stand.
“This is a great opportunity for our (university and college) presidents to say, ‘Look, we’re going to be neutral on the most divisive topics of the day but let’s have these discussions and these debates,’” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.
Other notable aspects of the resolution include institutions encouraging faculty, staff and students to engage in open debate, not shielding students from ideas and opinions they find disagreeable or offensive, and protecting the safety of those participating in constitutionally protected speech — which includes hate speech — on campus.
Read the full story here: KSL News.
Written by LOGAN STEFANICH, KSL.com.