The free expression of ideas and beliefs is a bedrock of any successful educational institution. Regardless whether in the classroom, in the hallways, or in school-hosted panels and discussions, the free expression of ideas is of paramount importance. The freedom of expression has two main effects on the learning environment: (1) It creates a safe environment in which every individual receives the respect to be heard by others and (2) it creates a safe environment in which every individual is challenged to grow and learn. An environment that stifles free expression is not a learning environment at all. Join your fellow members of the UMN academic community in signing this petition to protect the bedrock of our success as an academic institution: the freedom of open and respectful exchange of ideas.

To be clear, the freedom of open and respectful exchange of ideas can include silent protest as well as vigorous questions about substantively relevant material. The freedom of open and respectful exchange of ideas does not include disruptive protests that hinder and silence speech.