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PFS Student Portal

Know Your Rights


As students, our right to speak freely and pursue the truth wherever it may lead us is integral to the mission of our University and the purpose of our education. Learn your rights and understand how essential they are for university life.

Your right to free expression is guaranteed by Princeton

Text from Rights Rules and Responsibilities (1.1.3):

Because the University is committed to free and open inquiry in all matters, it guarantees all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn… Of course, the ideas of different members of the University community will often and quite naturally conflict. But it is not the proper role of the University to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even deeply offensive… In a word, the University’s fundamental commitment is to the principle that debate or deliberation may not be suppressed because the ideas put forth are thought by some or even by most members of the University community to be offensive, unwise, immoral, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of the University community, not for the University as an institution, to make those judgments for themselves, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose. Indeed, fostering the ability of members of the University community to engage in such debate and deliberation in an effective and responsible manner is an essential part of the University’s educational mission.

Read what President Eisgruber has to say about academic freedom

President Eisgruber has written and spoken repeatedly about academic freedom and free speech over the course of his Presidency. The above link is a speech he delivered at first-year orientation in 2022. President Eisgruber has repeatedly championed the famed Chicago Free Speech Principles, which were adopted at Princeton in 2015.

Resources

1. Get involved with Princetonians for Free Speech (PFS) Princetonians for Free Speech

Supporting students by funding campus events, creating employment and publication opportunities, and connecting students with successful Princeton alumni.

If you witness or experience suppression of yours or others' rights on campus, we're here to help. Email us at updates@princetoniansforfreespeech.org


2. Attend free speech-related events


-PFS Events
-Events by the Initiative on Freedom of Thought, Inquiry, and
Expression



3. Learn more about academic freedom from the Foundation for Individual
Rights and Expression (FIRE)


Since its founding more than two decades ago as the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, FIRE has become the nation’s leading defender of fundamental rights on college campuses through its unique mix of programming, including student and faculty outreach, public education campaigns, individual case advocacy, and policy reform efforts.


4. Learn your rights at Princeton

Click here


5. Protect your rights when they have been violated


Click here

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Job Opportunities

PFS Writing Fellowship

Term: July 2024-December 2024

Pay: $1,000

Expectations: Write three 750-1,000 word articles. Articles may be commissioned by PFS staff or your own topics of interest, approved by staff. Contract extensions will be offered to Writing Fellows who complete assigned tasks.

How to apply: Send resume, cover letter expressing your interest in the position and in campus free speech issues, and one writing sample to kaleigh@princetonfs.org

Braver Angels Debate Chair

https://braverangels.org/get-involved/debate-chairs/

FIRE Summer Internship

https://www.thefire.org/careers/summer-internship-program

Talent Market Job Board

https://talentmarket.org/openings/

Princeton Open Campus Coalition

The Princeton Open Campus Coalition is an undergraduate student organization that is dedicated to fostering a campus environment at Princeton University that is free of fear and intolerance. This is done by promoting free speech and academic freedom, encouraging free inquiry, civil dialogue, and robust discussions of all matters between all Princeton affiliates.

Email kaleigh@princetonfs.org to get involved.