Since arriving at DePauw University, I have received a steady stream of requests from students and others to speak out on various political and social issues. The recent Indiana legislative session has prompted a number of such requests. This session was particularly active, with bills before legislators on such issues as same-sex marriage, funding for Planned Parenthood and statewide immigration policies (the SB 590 bill). I write today to clarify the position my office must take with respect to requests for me to speak out in support of or in opposition to legislative actions.
While I continue to be proud of the participation of our students in legislative matters and the ways in which our students, on a wide variety of issues, seek to have their voices heard on many important issues — and while I will always be open to meeting with students and faculty to hear their thoughts and concerns about issues — it is important for the mission of this university that I do not take a public stand on these political matters.
No matter how strongly I may feel personally about any political issue, including SB 590 (and there are many political issues, including this one, about which I have very strong and deeply held personal feelings), my position as head of a university makes it impossible for me to speak as an individual, as opposed to as the voice of the institution. Were I to comment publicly on any legislative matter, I would be, de facto, speaking for DePauw.
Every student and faculty member must have the freedom to speak freely about all issues if we are to have a healthy, open dialogue on the issues of the day, and for that reason, the institution should not decree what the acceptable position on any political issue is. This means, unfortunately, that in order to preserve freedom of expression for the campus, I often have to limit my own. Whatever my own opinions on these issues, to declare an institutional position on any of them would have a chilling effect on debate and opinion on the campus. Finally, it is crucial to note that important issues are typically very complex. There are often not just two but many sides to these issues, and even more to the impacts any proposed solution might offer. It is unlikely that, in a broad public statement, I would have the opportunity to engage such complexities with the nuances they deserve.
I very much know that this might be disappointing to some members of our community. But it is important that my office not quash the efforts of anyone in our community to advocate for their positions, no matter how righteous or questionable their cause may be. I will, of course, support any student group that wishes to speak out on an issue or wishes to assemble to make their positions known. And, again, I will always have an open door so I can listen to community concerns.
It is important for me to say here that DePauw remains deeply committed to diversity and tolerance. These principles guide our decisions in the oversight of student life, the admission of students, the hiring of faculty and the conduct of all of our affairs. This commitment is embedded in our academic and student handbooks, in our faculty governance policies and in the practices of our Board of Trustees. This commitment is also exemplified in vigorous, respectful and informed discussion in our classrooms. This is exactly how an institution such as ours can — and should — communicate to the world the essential importance of diversity to our mission.
There are times, though, when I must speak to the climate on this campus and to the behavior of members of our community. Last year, Cinco de Mayo was the occasion for some hurtful expressions in connection with a campus social event. There have been recent, troubling examples of similar behavior this year. It is my hope that this year's Cinco de Mayo will be an opportunity to correct ignorance and a moment for education and understanding. Glen Kuecker's talk on the history of Cinco de Mayo was a good opportunity for such transformation to begin. I know there will be others.
I am, again, more proud of DePauw's politically active students than I can express, and of their hard work to make DePauw and the world a better and more just place.
— Brian Casey is the 19th president of DePauw University.
opinion@thedepauw.com