On institutional statements from the university

In a recent communication, the leadership of Johns Hopkins University articulated their approach to issuing public statements in response to global, national, or local events. They emphasized a commitment to restraint, stating that institutional statements will be limited to issues that directly relate to the university's interests and functions. This decision stems from a desire to maintain the integrity of the university as a space for open discourse and truth-seeking, rather than becoming a platform for a wide array of topics. The university leaders acknowledged that the increasing frequency of statements can create unrealistic expectations among community members. When the institution refrains from commenting on certain issues, it may inadvertently signal that those concerns are not valued. This dynamic has prompted a reevaluation of their communication strategy, aiming to avoid the potential alienation of community members who may feel overlooked. Furthermore, the leaders clarified that their commitment to restraint does not imply a withdrawal from societal issues. Instead, they encourage active engagement from faculty and staff in discussions about the appropriateness of this approach across various university departments and units. This initiative seeks to foster a more thoughtful and deliberate engagement with the community while upholding the university's core values. In conclusion, the leadership at Johns Hopkins University is advocating for a more measured approach to public statements, focusing on relevance and direct connection to the institution's mission, while inviting broader community dialogue on the matter.