Freedom Of Expression

Maria A. Ressa, an internationally acclaimed journalist who has endured political threats and government arrests for her commitment to truth and democracy, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she speaks to the university’s graduating students and their families during 2023 Commencement activities. Read More

Academic experts and university leaders came together with the VUcept peer mentor group for a candid conversation about freedom of expression on Aug. 22. The discussion centered on the importance of open discourse in providing the necessary conditions for transformative education and pathbreaking research. Read More

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier participated in a conversation titled “The Path Forward for Academic Freedom in Higher Ed” as part of the world-renowned Aspen Ideas Festival on June 29. The panel set out to explore the “twin ideals of open inquiry and free expression” as well as higher education’s unique role in advancing these forces. Read More

Vanderbilt has updated its Freedom of Expression policy—a vital part of the university’s commitment to open discourse, discovery and learning—to strengthen civil and respectful discussion and debate of challenging ideas and beliefs among the campus community. The revised policy and guidelines also clarify the university’s policy on various forms of free expression such as demonstrations, dissents and protests. Read More