Johns Hopkins University Leaders Advocate for Restraint in Institutional Statements

In a recent communication, university leaders at Johns Hopkins University emphasized a commitment to a "posture of restraint" regarding institutional statements on social, political, and scientific issues. They asserted that such statements should only be made in specific circumstances that directly relate to the university's core functions. This approach aims to preserve the university's role as a forum for open discourse and the free exchange of ideas, aligning with their foundational principles of academic freedom. The leaders expressed concern that issuing official positions on various issues could create a perception of a unified institutional viewpoint, which may not reflect the diverse opinions within the university community. They cautioned that these statements could be seen as performative, potentially detracting from meaningful actions that foster community engagement and dialogue on challenging topics. The leaders highlighted the importance of exploring issues through rigorous discussion rather than relying solely on public declarations. While the commitment to restraint applies to statements from the university's president, provost, and deans, it does not restrict individual faculty members from expressing their views in their personal or scholarly capacities. This policy aims to encourage faculty to share their insights freely, without the fear of contradicting an institutional stance. In lieu of formal statements, Johns Hopkins plans to address controversies and tragedies through educational programming and direct support for affected individuals, reinforcing its mission to create knowledge and engage with complex ideas. The university leaders underscored the importance of fostering an environment conducive to exploration and discovery, even when it involves contentious subjects.