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BOARD OF REGENTS ISSUES STATEMENT ON WASHBURN UNIVERSITY
Academic Freedom Essential for Success of Kansas Institutions of Higher Education

(TOPEKA) – Today the Kansas Board of Regents issued the following formal statement supporting Washburn University and stressing the importance of academic freedom at Kansas postsecondary institutions:

“As the leader of the state’s public system of higher education, the Kansas Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that each of its institutions functions as a venue for the free exchange of ideas in an atmosphere of open discourse – key hallmarks of the academic freedom that is at the core of what makes the educational experience so valuable.

An environment that preserves the faculty's freedom to teach, the students’ freedom to learn, and the campus community’s ability to engage in discussions that reflect different perspectives, is among the most fundamental values for higher education. The recent controversy surrounding the display of a sculpture on the Washburn University campus, leads us to reflect upon and reaffirm those values, which have been challenged during this episode.

Washburn and its Board followed campus policies and procedures in bringing to its campus the five sculptures comprising the Eighth Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. One of the pieces offended some who pursued legal and other actions in an attempt to force the University to remove the piece from the exhibition. The U.S. District Court sustained the University’s position.

We note that the University did not seek to offend and has expressed its regret that some were offended. We share that regret. The issue of removal, however, extends far beyond this particular sculpture. If those offended can successfully insist on the removal of that which gives offense, we have concern about the implications of such an approach. Those who are offended in particular ways should have no veto over what art can be displayed in campus galleries, what plays can be performed on campus stages, what books can be made available in college libraries or, ultimately, what subjects and topics can be taught in university classrooms. This strikes at the bedrock of the concept of a university – academic freedom.

Therefore, the Kansas Board of Regents hereby expresses its support to Washburn University, its Board, and the U.S. District Court’s decision as they have worked to preserve the values of academic freedom so fundamental for higher education in a democratic society.”

For more information contact Kip Peterson, Director of Government Affairs & Communications, at (785) 296-3421.

July 16, 2004 11:56 AM