Free Speech at Princeton University

Donald A. Downs
Academe Blog

Excerpt: In late August, John Wilson posted a critique of the recently published Princeton Principles for a Campus Culture of Free Inquiry. I have long respected Wilson’s views on higher education. In this case, however, I find his critiques misplaced. The Principles’ authors had two main objectives: garnering support for the Principles by individuals and institutions and engendering a broader debate on reform. I welcome Wilson’s critique as a catalyst in this debate.

Christopher Eisgruber
Office of the President, Princeton University

Excerpt: Given the importance of academic freedom to what we do, I wanted to begin the year by reaffirming this University’s steadfast support for it.  I say this now because it has unfortunately become common for university faculty members here and elsewhere to become the target of viral social media storms focused on controversial materials that they assign or teach.  That has sometimes extended to demands that the University should ban or condemn a book, cancel a course, or discipline a professor.

We of course will not do that.  Academic freedom protects your right to decide what to teach and how to teach it.  That right, like the right to free speech on campus, is very broad indeed, and we will protect it.

On August 29, Anthony Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, spoke alongside Princeton University president Christopher Eisgruber at a mandatory freshman-orientation event ostensibly meant to highlight the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom. More than 1,000 Princeton freshmen were required to attend this event as a part of their regular sequence of orientation activities; I was there as an undergraduate academic adviser for freshmen and out of my own personal curiosity.

Foundation for Individual Rights in Expression and College Pulse
 
Excerpt: For the fourth year in a row, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonprofit organization committed to defending and sustaining the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought, and College Pulse surveyed college undergraduates about their perceptions and experiences regarding free speech on their campuses.

Last year, Princeton demonstrated a “below average” speech climate ranking #169 of 203. This year, Princeton ranked 187 of 248 and continued to maintain a “below average” rating.

Princetonians for Free Speech Summary of College Pulse / FIRE Data

Excerpt: Princeton ranked 187 out of 248 schools in the 2024 College Free Speech Ranking. While the school ranked 32nd for students’ surveyed comfort in expressing their ideas, Princeton suffered in their “Disruptive Conduct” score (ranked 186th), and the measured difference in tolerance for liberal versus conservative speakers (ranked 184th). Princeton also maintains a “Red light” speech code.

One surveyed Princeton student noted: "The time people came to a publicly available spot on campus and were campaigning[sic] for their beliefs which I didn't agree with, but was appalled at the response from students trying to bar their free speech. Everyone is garunteed[sic] rights and it is against the credo of a Princeton Student to be disengenous[sic] to free speech - regardless if you agree with what they say."

Denise Valenti
Princeton Office of Communications

Excerpt: Anthony Romero was once a Princeton undergraduate struggling with how to confront hurtful speech he experienced on campus. Today, as executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, he zealously defends Americans’ right to use that same kind of speech.

Romero traced his journey during an Orientation event on Tuesday for first-year students where he joined President Christopher L. Eisgruber to explore the importance of academic freedom and free expression on campus. The event marked the second consecutive year Eisgruber has led an Orientation session on the topic.