Task force on statement guidelines
About the task force Heading link
At the request of University of Illinois System leadership, the University of Illinois Chicago has been charged with developing guidelines or policies related to issuing statements regarding local, state, national or international issues. A task force representing all members of the UIC community was established in March 2024 to make recommendations with input from stakeholders. When completed, the guidelines or policy will be shared with stakeholders, including the Faculty Senate, for additional review and consideration.
- Task force on statement guidelines
March 26, 2024 - Task force on public statements update
May 16, 2024
Frequently asked questions Heading link
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What is free speech?
Freedom of speech is the right of a person to articulate opinions and ideas without interference or retaliation from the government. This includes spoken and written words and symbolic speech (e.g., what a person wears, reads, performs, protests and more).
As a public institution, the university is legally required to permit speech protected by the First Amendment, subject only to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions.
Our student and employee codes of conduct, policies and disciplinary practices cannot override or contradict applicable state and federal laws and regulations. As a result, the university cannot punish speech that is protected by the First Amendment.
UIC has an Open Expressions Policy to frame how we support and protect the right to engage in open expression activities and the constitutionally defined parameter of those rights. This policy applies to students, faculty, staff and their invited guests.
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What is academic freedom?
The university is committed to academic freedom. Academic freedom includes the right of faculty to express ideas and to research and reach conclusions on their areas of scholarly interest and expertise topics, even if some might disagree with those conclusions.
As private citizens, faculty members have the rights of free speech and free expression under the U.S. Constitution.
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Will the task force guidelines or policy limit free speech or academic freedom?
No. The charge of the task force is to curate guidelines or a policy for “departmental (colleges, schools, institutes, advocacy centers or similar units) statements on matters of real or potential public controversy.”
The charge of the task force is not to control, threaten or repress free speech or academic freedom. The guidelines or policy developed by the task force will uphold the university’s values and mission to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research, and clinical excellence.
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Why did the university create the task force following the events of Oct. 7?
The task force was not created as a reaction to the Israel-Hamas war; it is work that has been ongoing since 2022.
Communications leaders at UIC, UIUC and UIS met regularly for nearly two years to discuss how other universities were developing statement guidelines. During the process they collected research, met with peers and organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and conducted stakeholder interviews to propose a system-level approach.
Ultimately, each university was given the charge to develop campus guidelines or policies in February 2024.
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Who selected the task force members?
The task force represents all members of the UIC community. UIC leadership, in consultation with faculty, staff and students, selected the task force members. The co-chairs did not select the committee members.
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Can individuals contribute ideas to the guidelines or policy in development?
The task force welcomes community input and faculty, staff and students can provide comments online. Input is reviewed and considered by the task force.
Once draft guidelines are available, the task force will consult with various stakeholder groups. Guidelines will then go to shared governance bodies, including the Faculty Senate, for additional debate and consideration.
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Will the guidelines or policy be completed in spring 2024?
No. The task force will continue the work until completion. The anticipated May deadline was not feasible.
Please provide comments Heading link
Campus stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input before the recommendations are finalized.