University of Florida’s interim president Donald Landry is in the running to be the school’s next permanent president.
At his first Board of Trustees meeting this week, Landry presented a policy that would limit university leaders’ free speech on social issues.
The policy, which was approved unanimously by the board, prohibits university leadership —except the president — from making statements or proclamations about social issues unrelated to the university’s mission, governance or operations.
Leaders making comments on social or political issues sends a message that there’s no room for open discourse at the university, Landry said, and chills free expression for faculty and students.
“We have to provide protections for expression, but we are not going to be able to engage in that protection if we have leadership speaking on issues that then create those aligned with leadership and those opposed to leadership,” he said.
University leaders retain the right to express their views if they do not use UF’s communication resources (like university email and social media systems) or state or imply UF endorsement, according to the policy. The policy’s approval comes a few months after former professor Jeffrey Harrison lost his emeritus status after posting about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Landry said all of the university’s deans are in support of the policy, and the faculty senate may also consider opting in.
If they choose to, the faculty senate would produce a pro-con analysis, rather than a resolution on an issue, Landry said. He said they would also have the opportunity to meet with state university system chancellor, Ray Rodrigues, to discuss their findings.
“Perhaps in that discussion, while we might not be able to resolve the differences of opinion, we might reach common ground,” he said.
Landry said he expects an update on the faculty senate’s decision at their next meeting on Dec. 9.
Landry introduced the idea at a Nov. 20 faculty senate meeting, where he was met with pushback and questions.
“I think you’re asking to silence us, and that is wrong,” said Carolyn Holland, a clinical associate professor in the College of Medicine. “As a scientist, I speak the truth about science. Politically that is a controversial thing. That should not be something I am silenced about.”
Brittany Bruggeman, an assistant professor at the College of Medicine, said at the faculty senate meeting that she is trying to reconcile how the faculty can serve as experts to the public while encouraging debate on settled medical topics.
Michaela Hogan, a clinical assistant professor at the College of Nursing, said it sounds like decision makers will hear out the faculty senate rather than give them a rubber-stamped objection to a decision.
“Is that what I’m hearing?” she asked Landry at the faculty senate meeting.
“You’ve heard it with utter precision,” he replied.
At the board meeting, Landry said his vision for the future requires stability and dedication to service.
Ensuring that the right to teach and learn is not overwhelmed by freedom of expression offers priceless stability, he said.