Fostering an Environment of Respectful Dialogue

September 3, 2024

Dear Baruch College Faculty and Staff:

As we welcome the 2024–25 academic year, our shared mission is to foster an environment where learning, discovery, and respectful dialogue can flourish. Your leadership and dedication are vital to achieving this goal, and I thank you for your commitment to Baruch’s mission and those it serves. In this letter, I wish to highlight the guidelines that will support our collective efforts.

Baruch College’s academic freedom is the foundation upon which our teaching and research enterprise rests. As educators and scholars, we are committed to upholding the diverse cultural and intellectual perspectives that enrich our campus community. The Academic Freedom Policy, available on the Office of the Provost’s webpage, outlines our commitment to this principle in accordance with CUNY policy on academic freedom.

As highlighted in the policy, “Teachers are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject.” Additionally, while faculty members are free to express their views as citizens, “As scholars and educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence, they should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not speaking for the institution.”

Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the full CUNY policy on academic freedom and to guide students toward CUNY’s “Brief Introduction to Free Speech,” as well as the Henderson Rules, which are discussed below.

The Henderson Rules of Public Order, established by the New York State Henderson Act of 1969, are integral to maintaining a respectful and orderly campus environment. These rules, which apply to all members of our community, are framed by Rule #1: “A member of the academic community shall not intentionally obstruct and/or forcibly prevent others from the exercise of their rights.” The rules also cover critical issues such as unauthorized occupancy, the right to advocate, and disorderly conduct. We encourage all faculty and staff to become familiar with these rules to ensure that we collectively uphold them in our daily interactions.

In addition to your academic and administrative responsibilities, we invite you to support and engage with our vibrant student life. The student clubs and organizations chartered by Baruch College are open to all students regardless of age, gender identity, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. These organizations must adhere to the Henderson Rules as well as the guidelines provided by the Office of Student Life. Your guidance and involvement can greatly enhance the student experience and contribute to a positive campus culture. For your information, we have sent the following letter to Baruch College students.

Together, let us make this academic year a testament to Baruch’s values of Excellence, Impact, Innovation, Collaboration, and Inclusion.

Sincerely,

Dr. Linda Essig
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs