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Blackboard-ready Freedom of Expression curriculum packet available

The Office of Instructional Resources has partnered with other university offices to create freedom of expression curriculum packet available for use in any Blackboard course. The curriculum is entirely customizable and can be fit to different class needs.

 

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NEW! - Facilitating Constructive Conversations

University Values on Freedom of Thought, Speech and Expression

Wichita State University is committed to preserving and supporting freedom of thought, speech, and expression on our campuses. We strive to ensure that all members of the University community have the greatest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn, as allowed by law. Wichita State University fully respects and supports the freedom of all members of our University community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, campus partners, and friends – to discuss any problem or issue that presents itself.

It is inevitable that the views and ideas of our community will conflict. We are committed to maintaining an environment that is a marketplace of ideas to the benefit of all individuals, where freely exchanging ideas is not compromised because the ideas are to some offensive, unwise, disagreeable, too conservative, too liberal, too traditional, radical, or wrong-headed. It is for the individual members of our University community, not for the University as an institution, to make value judgments, and to act on those judgments not by seeking to suppress speech, but by openly and vigorously contesting the ideas that they oppose.

Rather, our University, as an institution that prepares and educates individuals to become the thoughtful and ethical leaders of tomorrow, is the arena where debate, differing ideas, and difficult conversations are encouraged and deserve consideration and protection.

These principles carry responsibilities. Each and every one of us has the responsibility and duty to engage in and promote inclusivity, civility, and mutual respect. And while deference to these values can never be used as a justification for closing off discussion of ideas – no matter how offensive or disagreeable those ideas may be to some – it is incumbent upon everyone to engage in civil and respectful dialogue and to resist discourse that aims to suppress the free expression of ideas.

The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not come without some restrictions. These restrictions are not to diminish the free and open exchange of opinions, criticism and positions (even unpopular ones that may be morally questionable), but rather to protect the safety, privacy, and preservation of fundamental rights of all individuals and the functioning of the University as an instrument of education.

This is a balance, we realize, and at times, a challenge. It is easy for us as individuals to become so invested in our convictions, beliefs, and thoughts that we lose sight of those differing views of our colleagues and friends. But freedom of speech – of expression – is not about being right. It is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about understanding and respecting that those with differing convictions, beliefs, thoughts, and words are entitled to be heard. This is true not only for us as individuals, but as an institution, a community and, a society. All of us, and especially the University, must respect and protect this fundamental right.

We recognize that we may falter at times, but make no mistake that we are committed to continuing, and forever looking for ways to improve, the support and preservation of a lively and fearless freedom of debate and deliberation while protecting that freedom when others attempt to restrict it.

 
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The Working Group

The Free Expression Working Group convened in 2019 for the primary purpose of reviewing the University’s policies, procedures and practices as it relates free speech and expression activity on campus.

Meet the Working Group

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Our History

For much of its 125-year history, this institution and its forerunners have sought to foster an open, safe environment where students experience a diversity of speech, thought and expression.

Learn about our legacy

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2021 Resolution

On January 12, 2021, Wichita State University adopted a resolution concerning free speech, free expression and academic inquiry at the university.

See the resolution

VIDEO: Freedom of Expression at Wichita State University


Wichita State University is committed to preserving and supporting freedom of thought, speech, and expression on our campuses. We strive to ensure that all members of the University community have the greatest possible latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn, as allowed by law.

Norah O'Donnell
Past Event

2024 Barton Speaker Series: Norah O'Donnell

6 p.m. • March 21, 2024 • Miller Concert Hall, Duerksen Fine Arts Center

Award-winning journalist Norah O'Donnell, anchor of CBS Evening News and contributor to "60 Minutes," was the featured speaker in a moderated discussion at Wichita State University's Miller Concert Hall at Duerksen Fine Arts Center.

Visit the Barton Speaker Series website
 
 
Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State
Past Event

Mike Pompeo visits Wichita State to discuss new book

On February 10, 2023, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed his new book, "Never Give an Inch" in a conversation moderated by Elizabeth King, president and CEO of the WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.
 

Past Events

Robert Gates, U.S. Secretary of Defense 2006-2011, with moderator Dr. Kimberly Engber

2022 Craig W. Barton Speaker Series: Robert M. Gates

Robert M. Gates, U.S. secretary of defense from 2006-2011 and former director of the CIA, launched Wichita State University’s inaugural Craig W. Barton Speaker Series. The moderated discussion took place April 27, 2022, in WSU’s Wiedemann Hall.

Learn more
Speaking Freely on Freedom of Speech

Panel: Speaking Freely on Freedom of Expression

This March 2021 event explored the responsibility of universities to provide a forum for differing points of view; the role of academic freedom in higher education; and the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of free speech.

Watch the panel discussion
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Celebration

The Greater Wichita Ministerial League hosted the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Celebration at WSU Metropolitan Complex in January 2023 featuring keynote speaker, Mr. Roland S. Martin of Washington, D.C.

Policies and Resources

Exploring the full spectrum of political and intellectual thought

Russian President Boris Yeltsin shakes hands with students at Wichita State during a 1992 appearance

From Russian President Boris Yeltsin to former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr, Wichita State hosts appearances from public figures who span the political spectrum. We remain committed to an environment that acts as a marketplace of ideas to provoke healthy debate for the benefit of all.

See more notable speeches at Wichita State See upcoming speakers and events
Bill Barr speaking
 
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KMUW's One Small Step project

In collaboration with the national nonprofit StoryCorps, Wichita State University's public radio station KMUW-FM is inviting residents to have a conversation with another member of our community who you might not otherwise have a chance to talk with and with whom you might even disagree politically.

It's part of One Small Step, a nationwide project launched by StoryCorps to break down boundaries created by the difficult time in America right now. KMUW is one of six stations across the United States chosen to lead in the initiative.

 
 William Allen White
This nation will survive, this state will prosper, the orderly business of life will go forward if only men can speak in whatever way given them to utter what their hearts hold – by voice, by posted card, by letter, or by press. Reason has never failed men. Only force and repression have made the wrecks in the world.
Kansan William Allen White