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Above all, every member of the university has an…

“Above all, every member of the university has an obligation to permit free expression in the university. No member has a right to prevent such expression. Every official of the university, moreover, has a special obligation to foster free expression and to ensure that it is not obstructed.” quote by C. Vann Woodward
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“Above all, every member of the university has an obligation to permit free expression in the university. No member has a right to prevent such expression. Every official of the university, moreover, has a special obligation to foster free expression and to ensure that it is not obstructed.”

C. Vann Woodward

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Universities must protect all speech, and officials must actively prevent censorship.

In simple terms: Protect speech; officials must guard it.

Key Takeaway

Ensure open dialogue on campus.

Themes

free speech academic responsibility censorship rights

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical policy

When to use this quote

  • classroom debates
  • student protests
  • policy drafting
  • media coverage

Key Concepts

democracy institutional duty public discourse

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can universities protect speech without enabling harm?
  • What policies best support open dialogue?
A Different Perspective

Balancing speech with hate speech concerns can be complex.

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