The University of Nebraska today released a proposed policy to clarify and reinforce the NU system’s long-standing commitment to freedom of expression.

The Board of Regents is to consider the proposed policy at its Jan. 25 meeting. The proposal was developed by a systemwide working group appointed by President Hank Bounds.

Board of Regents Chairman Bob Whitehouse, who, together with Vice Chairman Rob Schafer, will bring the policy to the full board for consideration, described the proposal as a supplement to existing board policy that underscores the university system’s commitment to free expression for all members of the academic community, starting with the 53,000 students who attend University of Nebraska institutions.

“The constitutional right to free speech is at the core of the mission of the University of Nebraska, where our ability to create and share knowledge depends on the robust, open exchange of ideas,” Whitehouse said. “At a time when we’re part of a national conversation about these issues, it’s important for us to re-examine and recommit ourselves to the principles that any institution of higher learning must hold dear.”

The proposed policy does three things:

1) Reinforces the commitment of the Board of Regents and University of Nebraska system to the tenets of free expression.

2) Directs the four University of Nebraska institutions to designate which facilities, properties and other resources are “designated public forums,” such as a sidewalk; which are “limited public forums,” such as a concert hall; and which are “non-public forums,” such as a classroom.

3) Mandates regular education opportunities about the First Amendment and relevant policies.

The working group on free expression was led by Carmen Maurer, strategic adviser to the president and corporation secretary. University of Nebraska-Lincoln members were Bill Nunez, interim vice chancellor for business and finance and past chancellor’s chief of staff; and Laurie Bellows, interim vice chancellor for student affairs.

More information about the policy is available in the Board of Regents agenda, addendum XI-C-1