Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community-
As we welcome the start of a new academic year, I wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where free speech and open discourse are not just valued at our university, but are vigorously protected and encouraged. These principles are fundamental to our identity as an institution of higher learning and crucial for nurturing an academic climate where inquiry and expression flourish.
At SUNY Oswego, we hold dear the exchange of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge. Our dedication to these principles is reflected in the robust policies we have established, designed to ensure that everyone in our university community can engage in dialogue and express their views safely and respectfully. These policies are grounded in our Constitution’s First Amendment, which safeguards the rights to speak, listen, and debate.
Ultimately, SUNY Oswego strives to ensure a safe environment for all constitutionally protected speech, regardless of its content or viewpoint. For this reason, the University will remain a neutral venue and provide the same level of safety and respect to all speakers.
In cultivating this environment, we provide clear guidelines on the appropriate "time, place, and manner" for expressions of speech. These guidelines aim to minimize disruptions and maintain the integrity of our educational mission, as well as ensure that all voices can be heard in a setting that respects the rights of all participants.
I encourage everyone to become familiar with our policies and guidelines, developed in consultation with SUNY System. Understanding and adhering to these can improve our ability to engage with one another in meaningful and productive ways.
Free speech is the cornerstone of our democracy, and your active participation in our academic community's discourse is vital. By engaging thoughtfully and respectfully, you help ensure that free expression and debate remain hallmarks of the SUNY Oswego culture.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D.
President