Last updated on 02/23/2017
Unfortunately it’s the list of the top 10 *worst* universities for free speech. The Oregonian’s Andrew Theen has the report here. The FIRE list is here.
I am quoted by Theen as arguing that top 10 is a bit unfair, given President Schill’s recent decision to drop the proposed restrictions on the time, place, and manner of free speech:
… Harbaugh did credit UO President Michael Schill for one recent policy move that is a win for free speech on campus: stepping away from a controversial proposal to restrict speech under certain time, place and manner restrictions. …
hmm, how could UO have made the top 10 list? is there any particular individual who, shall we say, is shrill about transparency to the point of paranoia? Who has raised the dialogue way beyond the reasonable level? Who’s requests for public records is factors of 100 greater than any other faculty member?
Are we really in the top 10, or has the noise factor raised us to top 10 visibility?
For the record, our General Counsel has made more PR requests to UO than I have over the last 3 months, and I’ve made just one since June. Most are coming from reporters digging into the latest Duck scandal.
This duck is for free speech!
I don’t blame Harbaugh for fighting for academic free speech. In fact, I applaud him.
But, I do blame Harbaugh for citing such a lousy report, with such a questionable methodology, to make a point. In this age of excessive twitter gotcha analysis, I, for one, would really appreciate more effort to elevate discourse. Free speech is great. But, much more valuable is responsible speech.
If somebody wants to put UO on a list of ten schools that includes Harvard and Williams, I’ll take it.
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It also makes the top 10 schools where you may see your professor in blackface. Take that Jim Jones!