MIT moves forward with ‘freedom of expression’ statement
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is moving forward on a proposed statement of principles on free speech and academic freedom.
MIT President Rafael Reif announced in early September that there will be two forums this month with faculty to discuss the proposed “Statement on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.”
The working group’s effort, which included a 56-page report released this summer, grew out of a controversy surrounding a canceled speech to be given by University of Chicago geophysicist Dorian Abbot.
Professor Abbot saw his speech canceled at MIT after activists led a campaign against him due to his comments critical of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. He was slated to speak on climate change, not DEI policies.
He did not respond to a media inquiry sent by The College Fix in the past week that asked for comments on the university’s free speech efforts.
