Freedom of Expression

Site Navigation

Academics
Grounded in a general liberal arts education, 91自拍论坛 offers specialized study in more than 90 majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
Admissions
Flourishing programs in 90+ disciplines. A vibrant Christian mission. $50 million in new campus construction. Championship athletics. 94% placement within 6 months of graduation. There鈥檚 never been a better time to consider 91自拍论坛.
Research
Research abounds at Hope. Our students and faculty carry out high-quality research projects that are challenging, meaningful and contribute to exciting new knowledge in a broad range of disciplines.
Arts
At 91自拍论坛, award-winning student performances share the stage with nationally known writers, musicians, performers and artists.
91自拍论坛
The 91自拍论坛 campus is a place to come alive. We have hundreds of student organizations, groups and events you can plug into, serve with, play in, root for and grow with.
As a member of the MIAA and NCAA Division III associations, 91自拍论坛 sponsors 22 varsity sports for men and women. The college is home to the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship women鈥檚 basketball team.

Rationale for Freedom of Expression Statement

At 91自拍论坛, we are guided by the historic Christian faith, Christian Aspirations, and Virtues of Public Discourse. Believing that 鈥渨hat comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart鈥� 鈥� (Matthew 15:18), the College is 鈥渃ommitted to freedom of inquiry in the pursuit of truth and knowledge in every field of study, confident that all truth is God鈥檚 truth.鈥� With that said, claims and counterclaims should be motivated by pursuing and interrogating truth 鈥� not to degrade another person or group of people created and loved by God.

We know that our faculty, staff, and students will disagree on questions of religion, sexuality, politics, race, economics, and a whole host of other theological, moral, and social questions. We do not shy away from these differences, including dissenting opinions. Often, free expression of dissenting opinions has led to systematic changes for the advancement of communities, particularly marginalized communities.

At Hope, we approach these differences of perspective with the strong belief that the powerful love of God unites more tightly than any socially constructed division. With God鈥檚 love in mind, the College strives to protect free and open inquiry, discussion, and debate in light of our historic Christian faith and our Virtues of Public Discourse, helping us achieve our Christian Aspirations. Accordingly, the College commits to fostering an environment where its members feel safe to speak their minds, from a place of love, without fear of reprisal.

To this end, this college-wide Freedom of Expression Statement provides moral and legal protection to all our members. It demonstrates that Hope is committed to freedom of expression and inquiry. This statement derives from our Mission, Christian Aspirations, Virtues of Public Discourse, and commitment to the liberal arts.

Freedom of Expression Statement

The College extends to its faculty, staff, and students freedom and protection for the expression of their religious, philosophical, literary, artistic, political, or scientific views. Expressing a viewpoint does not, standing alone, constitute a violation of 91自拍论坛 policies. The College values the expression of diverse perspectives and ideas and constructive engagement that seeks to pursue and investigate claims of truth.

The protections offered under this statement are broad, but not absolute or without limitation. Along with Hope鈥檚 Mission, Virtues of Public Discourse, and Christian Aspirations, the policies and guidelines of 91自拍论坛 (including those in all handbooks) serve as frames for expressions of speech and conduct.

The College鈥檚 commitment to freedom of expression and intellectual curiosity do not protect speech or expressive conduct that violates the law or college policies, which includes but is not limited to: true threats, defamation, discriminatory harassment, incitement to imminent violence, violence, 鈥渇ighting words,鈥� and destruction of property. Hope also reserves the right to impose reasonable restrictions on when, where, and how expression is disseminated in order to prevent speech which substantially disrupts the learning or working environment, or otherwise interferes with the normal operations of the College. These time, place, and manner restrictions are ordinarily outlined in college policies and procedures and are resonant with the mission, Christian Aspirations and Virtues of Public Discourse.

As we seek God鈥檚 truth, let us engage with one another in a manner that is consistent with our belief that all people are created by God and bear the image of God.