Letters | Freedom of Expression

Letter to Cornell University President Martha Pollack

in response to student disruption of campus speaking event by Ann Coulter.
November 16, 2022 by ACTA Download PDF

The disruption of Ann Coulter’s speech at Cornell University last week is just the latest sign that diversity of thought is unwelcome on its campus. Cornell says it’s committed to open inquiry and free expression, but, in reality, it suffers from a self-imposed monoculture that encourages self-censorship and conformity. The appropriate response to controversial speech is more speech, not disruptions and shoutdowns that prevent people from sharing their ideas.

ACTA wrote to President Pollack, urging disciplinary actions be taken against students who breached their code of conduct and calling for the adoption of our Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression by Cornell.

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