In the past week, I have received numerous expressions of concern about the situations at peer universities facing crippling cuts in federal funding — hundreds of millions of dollars being withheld for critical research and other operations that receive federal support. This comes as Brown faculty are confronted with paused funding for some of our own research grants, new conditions for existing grants and a potential slowdown in future federal grants.

 

A troubling picture is taking shape regarding the enormity of what's at stake for Brown and other institutions. The nation has witnessed what many in higher education fear may be only the first examples of unprecedented government demands placed on a private university as a condition for restoring federal funding. Some of these demands raise new and previously unthinkable questions about the future of academic freedom and self-governance for those that are committed to continuing to serve this country as leading research institutions.

 

For more than 75 years, a partnership has existed between the federal government and research institutions whereby colleges and universities have hosted the core of America's research and discovery to fuel advancements in medicine and technology, as well as innovation and competitiveness across a range of scientific fields. This relationship has long acknowledged the role of colleges and universities not only to educate, train and prepare the next generation of workers, problem solvers and leaders, but also to work with government and industry to confront some of the most vexing issues facing society and the world.

 

Until now, this partnership has recognized that private institutions’ academic freedom is a key factor in advancing this innovation and research, coupled with our commitment to follow the law. The current evolving federal policy landscape portends a shift in this partnership.

 

The question many in our community have been asking is, “What could this mean for Brown?” This is impossible to answer in detail, since any response would depend on the specific facts of any situation if Brown were faced with intrusion into our governance undermining our academic mission. But, I can discuss three principles that would underlie the University’s response.

 

First, as I have continued to assert, Brown will always follow the law, including upholding our ethical and legal obligations under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This means Brown stands firmly by its responsibility to protect all members of our community from harassment and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin and other protected factors. Even before numerous recent federal actions and statements calling on institutions to recognize these obligations, the University has worked assiduously — over the past 18 months — to educate our students about the community standards that govern protest, and we have held students accountable when community standards were violated.

 

We have strengthened our policies and practices to ensure that all allegations of harassment and discrimination are addressed in an even-handed, fair and professional manner. This includes addressing allegations of discrimination based on shared ancestry, such as antisemitism or Islamophobia. And we have done this not only to follow the law, but because it is the right thing to do for our campus. We are committed to maintaining an academic community where all can participate fully in the life of the institution.

 

Second, Brown will always defend academic freedom and freedom of expression, for the University as an institution and for individual members of our community. This means that our faculty and students must be able to study and learn academic subjects of their choosing freely and without fear of censorship. These freedoms have, since the time of Brown’s founding, been essential to our mission of advancing knowledge and understanding in a “spirit of free inquiry.” As foundational principles, they ensure that members of our community have the ability to advance the institutional mission by engaging freely in teaching, research and scholarship, without external intrusion. I know that many in our community have been gravely concerned about persistent media reports of some of our peers experiencing encroachments on their freedom of expression and the autonomy necessary to advance their mission. If Brown faced such actions directly impacting our ability to perform essential academic and operational functions, we would be compelled to vigorously exercise our legal rights to defend these freedoms, and true to our values, we would do so with integrity and respect.

 

At the same time, Brown remains unwavering in honoring the long-standing partnership that higher education has maintained with the federal government for decades based on a shared commitment to serving this country and people around the globe. If government agencies have valid concerns about the way the University fulfills this commitment effectively, we should and must come to the table to work together toward solutions. But, not at the expense of abandoning foundational academic values.

 

Third, Brown will continue to provide resources to our international community members in the face of new challenges. Great research universities like Brown attract incredibly talented people from around the globe, many of whom remain in this country and contribute to our nation’s prosperity. It is heartbreaking to see the level of anxiety and fear being felt by international students, faculty and staff who hold various types of visas, and even those who are permanent residents who hold green cards. In addition to the fear of deportation, many are afraid that they could be denied re-entry to the United States following international travel.

 

Last Sunday, you received a letter from Russell Carey, executive vice president for planning and policy and interim vice president for campus life, sharing travel guidance and support resources for members of our international community following reports of potential new federal travel bans. In addition, you should know that Brown has a long track record of working with our Congressional delegation, as well as our alumni networks of experts and professionals across a strong extended Brown community, to resolve visa and immigration issues with sensitivity and with respect for individual privacy.

 

These are uncertain times, and I’ll close by emphasizing that our immediate focus continues to be assessing the impact of federal directives for Brown and members of our community. We maintain our resolve to sustain Brown's strength as a leading educational institution, and we remain committed to taking the steps necessary to preserve our ability to fulfill our mission as a university dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding in service to communities, the nation and the world.

 

Sincerely,

Christina H. Paxson

President