Freedom of Expression Task Force
Pacific University values the free expression of ideas as the foundation of creative and scholarly endeavors and seeks to establish a statement of principle regarding freedom of expression at our institution that supports intellectual speech and debate. We seek also to establish a framework whereby such discourse may occur in an atmosphere of openness, respect, and civility that is befitting a scholarly community such as ours.
On October 6, the University Council approved the establishment of an ad hoc task force to undertake a deliberative process to provide a recommendation for a university statement on freedom of expression during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Membership
The Ad Hoc Task Force on Freedom of Expression will consist of thirteen members.
CHAIR
Andrew Longhofer, Director of Student Experience & Prof. Dev., School of Pharmacy
Staff member at large
SECRETARY
Scott Korb, Director of Master of Fine Arts
School/Program Director level members (elected by the Directors)
Alex Bove, Associate Professor, English
1 representative from the Faculty Senate (selected by its members)
Cara Weathers, CAS Undergraduate Student
1 representative from the Undergraduate Student Senate (selected by its members)
Aldrin Santamaria, Optometry Graduate Student
1 representative from the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (selected by its members)
Isaac Gilman, Dean of University Libraries
1 College/Unit Dean (selected by the Deans)
Wil O’Shea, Director of Institutional Research
1 additional representative from the Provost’s Council (selected by its members)
Jean Garcia-Chitwood, Acting Vice President of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
1 additional representative from the President’s Council (selected by its members)
Eliezer Schwartz, Graduate Psychology Professor
Cristy Sellers, Education Professor
2 faculty members at large (preferably one with group facilitation skills/experience; elected by the faculty)
Morgan Knapp, McCall Center for Civic Engagement
2 staff members at large (preferably one with group facilitation skills/experience; elected by the staff)- one staff member is listed above in the chair role
Kira Hein, Head of Athletic Facility Operations
1 representative from the Staff Senate (selected by its members)
Derek Gerber, Director of School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training
2 School/Program Director level members (elected by the Directors) - one member is listed above in the secretary role
Tasks
Ad Hoc Task Force on Freedom of Expression will undertake to complete the following tasks by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year:
• Review of internal and external references
• Preparation of draft statement and/or determination of framework and context for discussion/input
• Facilitation of discussions in multiple forums to further inform proposed statement
• Compilation and presentation of discussion themes to university-wide stakeholders
• Draft proposed statement
• Develop a process for approval by all stakeholders of propose statement
• Bring forward the statement on freedom of expression for final approval by University Council