By Jamie Welch, Editor-in-Chief
The faculty voted Thursday afternoon to ratify the final version of the Freedom of Expression philosophy by a vote of 114-4 with 11 abstentions via secret ballot.
There was very limited discussion on the motion. Paul Austerlitz, Professor of Music, asked if the philosophy provides adequate protections against white supremacist groups recruiting on campus or flying Confederate flags. Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students Julie Ramsey said that current policy would prohibit many of the activities that Austerlitz described. Ramsey added that it is College Life’s intention to review current policies once the philosophy is ratified by the Board of Trustees to see if there need to be any adjustments made.
The vote from the faculty followed ratification of the philosophy by Student Senate in early March.
The philosophy now goes to the Board of Trustees for a final vote.
