Williams College rejects free-speech principles to protect ‘dignitary safety’ of students
July 9, 2019
Ethan Berman - University of Texas-Austin
No way that new policy will ‘quell the discontent of Williams’s woke students’
More than 60 universities and colleges throughout the U.S. have adopted the so-called Chicago Principles, aimed at preserving free speech and expression on campus.
For a few months last year, it looked like Williams College would join their ranks. No more. ...
The report distinguishes between two forms of “potentially harmful†speech that are legally protected: speech that threatens “intellectual safety†versus “dignitary safety.â€
The first form is incompatible with “the very heart of a college’s educational mission.†But Williams has a “duty to maintain†the second form, defined as “the sense of being an equal member of the community and of being invited to contribute to a discussion as a valued participant.â€
Hate speech is a threat to dignitary safety, and thus is worthy of institutional response, including “counter-messaging, condemnations, direct support to targeted individuals and groups, dialogue, and education.†...
Full story at the College Fix 
