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 fourteen members.
CHAIR
Kira Hein, Head of Athletic Facility Operations
1 representative from the Staff Senate (selected by its members)
SECRETARY
Andrew Longhofer, Director of Student Experience & Prof. Dev., School of Pharmacy
Staff member at large
Alex Bove, Associate Professor, English
1 representative from the Faculty Senate (selected by its members)
William Best, 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)
Jennifer Teeter, Executive Assistant and Programs Manager, Student Affairs
1 representative from the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (selected by the Office)
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)
Jim Langstraat, Vice President of Finance and Administration
1 additional representative from the President’s Cabinet (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 - one staff member is listed above in the secretary role (preferably one with group facilitation skills/experience; elected by the staff)
Scott Korb, Director of Master of Fine Arts
Jennifer Pitonyak, Director of Occupational Therapy
2 School/Program Director level members (elected by the Directors)
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