Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,
Now more than ever, it is critical that our community members think about how we can engage in respectful and meaningful discourse and dialogue. In our conversations among peers, in the classroom and beyond, we are a community in diversity deeply rooted in a set of values that has been refined over five hundred years of Jesuit tradition.
As Hoyas, we flourish as a community because we bring different experiences, backgrounds and identities to Georgetown. We are rooted in a mission to encourage lifelong learning, and to be responsible and active participants in civic life and to live generously in service to others.
At times, this responsibility means that we participate in difficult conversations that may present challenges. This message outlines resources for engaging in civil discourse with care for our fellow Hoyas and all people. This includes the launch of a new website with dedicated resources related to speech and expression.
Speech and Expression
Georgetown’s university-wide Speech and Expression policy encourages and protects the free expression of ideas within the broadest possible latitude. As stated in this policy, “As an institution of higher education, one specifically committed to the Catholic and Jesuit tradition, Georgetown University is committed to free and open inquiry, deliberation and debate in all matters, and the untrammeled verbal and nonverbal expression of ideas.” Our policy also makes clear that we do not tolerate speech that defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat, or violates our Harassment Policy, and we maintain other limited exceptions related to time, place, and manner. More information about our policies and programs can be found on our speech and expression website. The website also includes information about programming and educational opportunities related to speech and expression, including The Free Speech Project, GU Politics, Georgetown Dialogue Initiatives, Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship (CNDLS) resources, and more.
Having Difficult Conversations
Being a part of a vibrant and diverse higher education community means that we often find ourselves engaging in difficult conversations. Learning to navigate these conversations with care and respect is a critical component of a Georgetown education.
For students, our website outlines academic programs and resources that provide opportunities for students to engage in challenging conversations with respect for others at the forefront.
For faculty, the classroom provides unique opportunities to increase our students’ sense of belonging and engagement with peers in meaningful and impactful ways. CNDLS’ Difficult Discussions page shares information and research for faculty on how to navigate difficult conversations in the classroom.
For staff, Georgetown’s Professional Conduct website provides resources for engaging in open, honest, and cooperative work relationships and navigating difficult conversations in the workplace.
When we navigate difficult moments together, we also encourage our community to take steps to care for their mental and emotional well-being.
Belonging and Inclusion Resources
We have a number of resources across our campuses to support belonging and inclusion within our community, such as the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action, Accessibility at Georgetown, and the Office of Campus Ministry. For a full list, please view the Resources to Support Our Community in Diversity.
Educational Resources
We encourage faculty to review CNDLS resources on Teaching in Difficult Times. The Doyle Engaging Difference Program supports innovative learning experiences that equip Georgetown University students and faculty to authentically and constructively engage differences inside and outside the classroom. For a full list of educational resources, please view the Resources to Support Our Community in Diversity.
Events can provide an important moment to see, experience, and contribute to civil discourse. We encourage community members to visit the Georgetown Events Calendar to explore community events of interest.
University Policies
Every member of the Georgetown University community is responsible for upholding all applicable university policies; including University Policies Regarding Discrimination and Harassment, Code of Student Conduct, Georgetown Law Student Handbook of Academic Policies, School of Medicine Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, and the Human Resources Policy Manual.
Georgetown University strongly condemns antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and hatred of any kind in our community. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, intimidation or threats of harm.
We are deeply committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive community that respects the inherent dignity and shared humanity of each Hoya, promotes the free expression of ideas, and enables every member of our community to thrive.
Welcome back to Georgetown, Hoyas, and we wish you a successful start to the semester.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Groves
Provost
William M. Treanor
Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center
Norman J. Beauchamp Jr.
Executive Vice President for Health Sciences
David B. Green
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Joseph A. Ferrara
Vice President and Chief of Staff to President DeGioia