In 1964, Justice Thurgood Marshall delivered the winter commencement address at the University of Michigan, emphasizing the vital role of free speech in fostering the progress of a democratic society. Six decades ago, Justice Marshall challenged the incoming generation to advocate fiercely for human rights and free speech. He underscored the arduous nature of this endeavor, stressing that genuine commitment to these principles necessitates sacrifice and relentless effort.
Unfortunately, there can be misconceptions that free speech on our campuses is sacrificed because of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and that one cannot support both DEI work and free speech. In reality, if those holding this belief had a more accurate and precise definition and understanding of DEI work, they would know otherwise.
As our campuses become more diverse in the ways we say we want, we should expect and welcome more diversity of thought, even diversity in what people think DEI is, should be, and how we should work toward those values. As we bring people in with diverse perspectives, our DEI work is foundational to educating university communities on how to use their free speech in ways that involve respect (challenging ideas, not the basic humanity of others) and to offer ways to engage even when ideas seem to conflict, even if there is vehement disagreement.
With regard to equity, if we support and protect free speech, we have to do so equitably across all communities. We can’t only protect the speech that we like; it also means protecting speech that we might find offensive or abhorrent. An equity-oriented approach to free speech means protecting the rights of those even with whom we disagree.
Where this implicates inclusion – inclusion should not be conflated with comfort or discomfort (e.g., if I feel discomfort, then I am not included). Inclusion means that community members feel valued, that their voice matters, that their presence matters, that they contribute to our environment, and that they have just as much right to use their voice as someone else. We can feel discomfort in learning new ideas and having our own ideas challenged and countered, but can still think that we’re an essential part of and included in a community.
It’s important to recognize that protecting free speech is not without its costs and tensions and that DEI work is hard work, as we see across our nation today. Indeed, speech can cause discomfort and harm; however, as educators, we have a responsibility to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment where ideas can be rigorously interrogated and tested, and students are pushed beyond their comfort zones. This kind of learning requires critical engagement, self-reflection and remarkable grace.
At the same time, free speech principles and DEI values call on us to consider both the rights and responsibilities of free speech and to weigh community health and harm – that is, just because we have the right to say something, does it mean we should? What is the purpose of expressing our views and in particular ways? How will our choices serve our goals and respect the humanity of others?
Higher education institutions are obliged to create and support spaces where diverse opinions can be offered and heard and flourish, not just simply hope that these voices emerge and that all perspectives are included. This is at the heart of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work.
The real test of our values and principles is whether we hold to them when it is not easy to do so. Indeed, all of higher education (and society) is being tested. Although challenging, the practices of DEI and free speech are worth it – as they are crucial in providing students with a superior education and equipping them to be effective contributors in a diverse democracy.