Resolution on Academic Freedom and Diversity

Whereas Rutgers University has made the advancing of diversity, equity, and inclusion a key strategic priority; and

Whereas in a nation that has for centuries struggled with issues of racial inequity and injustice, many students do not have adequate knowledge of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) and LGBTQI(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersexed community) history and the policies that contributed to inequities, Rutgers faculty have a responsibility and opportunity to help build equity and social justice;

Therefore be it resolved that the New Brunswick Faculty Council resolutely rejects any state and federal legislation or any other attempts by bodies external to the faculty to restrict or dictate university curriculum on any matter, including those related to racial, gender, and social justice, and will stand firm against any encroachment on faculty authority; and

Be it further resolved that the New Brunswick Faculty Council stands with our K–12 colleagues throughout the country who may be affected by the pernicious  legislation restricting what they may teach; and

Be it further resolved that the New Brunswick Faculty Council affirms the Joint  Statement on Efforts to Restrict Education about Racism, authored by the AAUP, PEN America, the American Historical Association, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities, endorsed by over seventy organizations, and issued on June 16, 2021; and finally

Be it further resolved that the New Brunswick Faculty Council urges the University Senate, the other Faculty Councils, and other shared governance entities to adopt a similar resolution.

Be it further resolved that we call upon President Holloway and EVPAA Moghe to affirm that they reject any attempts by bodies external to the faculty to restrict or dictate university curriculum on any matter, including matters related to racial, gender, and social justice, and that they will stand firm against any encroachment on faculty authority. We also call upon them to take appropriate actions in the public sphere that will position Rutgers as a leader in the national campaign in the defense of academic freedom from the ever increasing, politically motivated attacks we are experiencing.