The American University of Kurdistan (AUK) is committed to critical inquiry and the discovery and dissemination
of knowledge through teaching, scholarship, and service. For the University to meet its Mission and “prepare the
future generations of leaders,” the campus environment must be a place of intellectual engagement where everyone
feels safe to present their diverse ideas.
Central to the model of a liberal arts education is the free exchange of ideas and the Freedom of Expression.
Freedom of Expression refers to the right to hold opinions without interference and includes the “freedom to
seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds…orally, in writing, print, art, or through any
media. Also, verbal and nonverbal behaviors that express a person’s opinion, point of view or identity.”
(International Standards on Freedom of Expression Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19)
This model requires an educational environment where members of our community are able to express, explore,
challenge, refute, and debate ideas with those who hold different views than their own. Such exchange may result
in conflict. It is not the proper role of the University to attempt to shield individuals from ideas and
opinions they find unwelcome, disagreeable, or even offensive.
The freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas does not, of course, mean that individuals may
say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. The University may restrict expression that violates the law, that
falsely defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably
invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the
functioning of the University. In addition, the University may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner
of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the University. At AUK, we condemn
racist, discriminatory, and hateful speech and affirm that under no circumstances can a person hide behind
freedom of expression, or academic freedom, to justify such speech.
AUK guarantees all members of the University community the broadest latitude to speak, write, listen, challenge,
and learn. Except for any legal limits referenced above, AUK fully respects and supports the freedom of all
members of the University community to discuss, without fear of retribution, inside of and outside of the
classroom, any issue that presents itself. The open and respectful exchange of ideas, where every member of our
community, including guests, are afforded the opportunity to share their ideas, experiences, and perspective, is
the best way for us to strengthen our values as a liberal arts university and to develop in our students the
skills and fortitude to study, live and work in the inclusive community.
AUK’s Policy on Freedom of Expression: GA015-Freedom-of-Expression-Policy.pdf
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