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By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN For Illinois Press Association
CHICAGO – No American university is more committed to free speech on campus than the University of Chicago, according to a recent FIRE student survey.
Whether or not faculty and administrators are Spider-Man buffs, they subscribe to the sage advice of Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
“This is important: Our faculty are not the kind of faculty that will just invite a speaker to come and have free reign,” Dean of Students Michele Rasmussen said. “It’s usually a defined program, where it’s an atmosphere for those ideas to be challenged.”
The university scored highest out of the 55 universities that took part in the survey conducted by The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a nonprofit focused on protecting free speech rights on campuses.
The survey covered universities’ openness, how willing they are to invite a speaker to address controversial issues, self-expression and administrative support.
Geoffrey Stone (left), an Edward H. Levi distinguished law professor who’s filled various leadership positions at the university during his 47-year tenure, says the university has emphasized First Amendment rights since its inception in 1890.
In 2014, the university’s president, Robert Zimmer, addressed a nationwide trend of free speech challenges at universities by enlisting Stone and other distinguished professors to draft a statement clearly spelling out that under virtually no circumstances the university would prohibit free speech.
The “Chicago Principles” have since been adopted by 70-plus universities, including Princeton, Columbia, and multiple Big Ten universities, including the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, which ranked 42nd in the survey. The University of Wisconsin was a notch above at 41st, and the U of I-Chicago was 44th.
The universities effectively lopped off the first half of the principles, which pertained to the University of Chicago specifically, but kept the universal elements.
Stone said arrogance often gets in the way of sharing intellectual property among higher education, “so adopting another’s statement is hard to do.”
Further, he said, universities have to be prepared for students and faculty who oppose expression of free speech from opposing or extreme viewpoints.
“It takes a good deal of courage, frankly,” Stone said. “It does piss off a lot of people.”
The crux of the “Chicago Principles” is summarized nicely in the document’s reference to a dissenting opinion from Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in a Sedition Act case in 1918.
“... The ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas – that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the free competition of the market,” the dissent reads. Stone said free expression was integral to desegregation, interracial marriage, and the women’s rights movements.
“They would have been flat-out rejected without hesitation at different times in the past,” he said.
He said the university was among the first to offer benefits for gay marriages.
“At a point in the past, that would have been regarded as absurd,” Stone said. “Because we have allowed the advocacy of those challenging positions, we’ve learned and changed our minds about things. We always have to be open to challenges.”
The difference today, he readily concedes, is the speed at which information, and misinformation, travels. Five years ago, Stone began teaching a Freedom of Speech course that keyed on vetting information.
“We live in an environment where it’s more important than ever for people to be skeptical,” Stone said.
As baseless claims and conspiracy theories flood the media – both social media and broadcasts and print publications – consumers must scrutinize the content.
“Our students are living in that society. That’s the reality of the world we’re living in,” Stone said.
He said shielding students from misinformation fails to prepare them for the real world.
Three years ago, the university retooled its orientation program to emphasize media literacy to new students as soon as they arrived on campus. Not coincidentally, the university borrowed heavily from the orientation program of Purdue University – one of the first institutions to adopt and adapt the “Chicago Principles.”
“We sort of returned the favor,” Rasmussen (left) said, laughing.
In a large venue, faculty, students and special guests speak, do a Q&A session and role-play. Videos of such figures as Barack Obama are shown. It’s all done in an hour.
“It’s not too preachy, and it brings some abstract concepts down to a level students can understand,” Rasmussen said. “It’s not effective to have a bunch of talking-head administrators.”
It was obviously difficult to conduct orientation virtually, she said. Another challenge has been meeting students at their level, given that about two-thirds of the University of Chicago’s students are graduate students.
“One could argue they’re even more diverse than undergrads,” Rasmussen said. “They represent different age groups, some have families, and they’re from different countries.”
Rasmussen said interactive modules have been built, and much of the First Amendment work has been folded into curriculum and separate exercises. For instance, the law school had its students write a speech code.
“It ended up looking a lot like the ‘Chicago Principles,’ ” Rasmussen said.
Controversial figures are more than welcome to speak at a campus event – as long as they’re willing to be rebutted.
Many such events at the University of Chicago have failed to materialize, because speakers have refused to take part in a debate or a Q&A session.
“It wasn’t because of the political views,” Rasmussen said. “They weren’t willing to have the back-and-forth discourse.”
She said the university has “hundreds, if not thousands” of speakers on campus, and that faculty and administration collaborate to know what’s on the calendar and plan each event in such a way that “it doesn’t go off the rails.”
They designate protest areas, train staff to de-escalate situations, and provide ample security. Disrupting events is not allowed, and if interrupters persist, they’re removed.
“We take events management and planning very seriously,” Rasmussen said. “When you see a lot of events on a college campus that goes off the rails, when you dig a little deeper, it’s usually because of bad planning of the event. You need to do that work up front to ensure you have the kind of event you want.”
Rasmussen said the university has “had plenty of dust-ups over the years,” but its employees will neither be gagged nor disciplined for exercising their First Amendment rights.
“That just doesn’t happen at the University of Chicago,” she said. “This is not the kind of place where you’re going to see administrative overreach.”
Stone conceded it’s challenging to tell students and faculty they will hear ideas they find offensive, even revolting.
“That’s not easy, and the reason they have to learn to do that is they cannot trust anyone in positions of authority to decide what ideas cannot be spoken,” he said.
He and Rasmussen emphasized the university provides “safe spaces”, which are spelled out in the principles as various student organizations.
“You don’t have to just sit there, take it, and feel upset,” Rasmussen said. “There are places you can take your concerns, and get support. We do have safe places, where students can step out of a controversial situation.”
‘A slightly cynical point of view’
Rasmussen said there isn’t a threshold at which the university will determine a point of view too outrageous to be allowed on campus.
That doesn’t sit well with Caroline Kubzansky, a fourth-year senior who’s worked for The Maroon student newspaper since she set foot on campus. She’s now the managing editor, and is skeptical of the university’s motivations.
“I take a slightly cynical point of view on the university’s emphasis on free speech,” she said. “The university’s efforts have struck me as a marketing scheme.”
She said a culture of curiosity is a good thing, and that universities deserve credit for thinking outside the box, and outside the domain of scholars. But she thinks the university’s policy is perhaps too tolerant.
“[The Chicago Principles] is a way of saying that people don’t immediately tar and feather conservatives for what they have to say,” she said. “Sometimes it might be too good at not tarring and feathering people with reprehensible viewpoints.”
The university does not require its professors to provide content warnings before they introduce content that’s bound to be offensive to some, if not repulsive or potentially incendiary.
Kubzansky said that while she respects the policy, she’s grateful all the professors she’s had alert their students
“Most professors who care about that stuff will put it in anyway,” she said. “In the circles I run, it’s called manners. Try not to blindside someone with something offensive.
"The world is awful enough as it is.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Renee' Blissett (773) 968-5777 | Mobile reneemblissett@yahoo.com The Lighthouse Church of All Nations 4501 W. 127th Street Alsip, IL 60803
Pastoral transition in Chicago's largest multicultural church **Press invited Sunday, March 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. CST for a special celebration service**
Having just celebrated 45 years of serving the Chicagoland area, The Lighthouse Church of All Nations is embarking on a new journey. Founded by the Rev. Dr. Dan Willis in 1977, the church grew from 16 people to 6,000 members and is well-respected throughout the world for its integrity, love and commitment to helping others. This nondenominational ministry is home to 72 different nationalities and ministers to more than 700 children and youth every weekend. The Rev. Dr. Dan Willis, affectionately known as, “Pastor Dan”, has led as senior pastor for these past 45 years and is excited to announce his elevation to bishop. The new senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church of All Nations is the Rev. Garland Mays, Jr. Pastor Garland and his wife, Pastor Farida, have been members and ministers for many years, leading as youth pastors for nearly 15 years. Parents of three sons, they realize the importance of strong families and the role communities of faith play. This change does not mean “retirement” for Bishop Dan though! His new role allows him to mentor and oversee The Lighthouse while also elevating his opportunities for television ministry, writing, speaking and teaching. This transition will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26,in the Main Sanctuary of The Lighthouse Church, 4501 W. 127th Street in Alsip. Free and open to the public, we encourage everyone to join us for this special night.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Katy Brumm Pederson (217) 710-8152 info@myformals.com
Project Runway Winner, TV Celebrity and Internationally renowned designer, Jonathan Kayne will be in Litchfield this weekend raising funds for St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and styling prom at My Formals
About Johnathan Kayne: As a successful fashion designer and business owner, Kayne was selected to compete on Project Runway. This experience, his charming personality, and eye for glamorous style propelled Kayne to his own celebrity status. Kayne starred on the TLC special Gown Crazy, and also appeared on E!, ABC, NBC, Bravo, and The Style Network. In addition to his dress line, Johnathan serves as a fashion expert for Country Weekly, Zuus Country, and NStyle Country. Dubbed as a “genius designer” by Heidi Klum and “a designer who knows how to make clothes and fit a woman’s body” by Michael Kors, his designs have appeared on the world’s biggest stars and most prestigious red carpets. A few of his celebrity clients include Jennifer Lopez, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Kelly Pickler, Tanya Tucker, Britney Spears, Lee Brice, and Rascal Flatts. Event News: Meet Johnathan Kayne at MyFormals this Saturday and Sunday. A donation will be made to St Jude’s for every Johnathan Kayne dress sold. Johnathan Kayne will be giving fashion tips, showing special pieces from the 2023 Prom & Pageant line and helping girls choose the perfect prom dress for them. Let a design expert help you get the right prom dress for you to make memories. When: March 4th & 5th Where: My Formals 1200 N Old Rte 66, Litchfield, IL 62056
(217) 324-4513
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Christopher Weishaar Digital Public Relations Specialist (515) 273-7140 cweishaar@studentloan.org
Ten $1,000 scholarships now open to Midwest high school seniors
High school seniors from Illinois and five other Midwest states have a chance to earn the scholarships
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — High school seniors from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin now have a chance to receive one of 10 college scholarships worth $1,000. Registration is open now through April 28, 2023. Parents are also now able to register their student. High school seniors or their parents may register for the ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Midwest. ISL Education Lending will award $1,000 scholarships to 10 students whose names are randomly drawn after the registration period. There are no financial need, grade point average or class rank requirements. The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship can be used at any eligible institution in the United States. Registered participants also receive emails highlighting financial literacy tips, such as the importance of early career and college planning and ways to reduce student loan indebtedness. “Student loan debt is a huge concern for new college students,” said Steve McCullough, president and CEO of ISL Education Lending. “As a nonprofit, we provide tools and resources to help high school seniors plan so they can reduce the amount of debt they need to take on while achieving their education goals. Students sign up for a chance at a $1,000 scholarship, and we take that opportunity to share information with them about our free resources.” The ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship is open to legal U.S. citizens who are seniors at a high school in one of the qualifying states during the 2022–2023 school year and who intend to attend college, either virtually or physically, in fall 2023. It is a no-purchase-required program, and full rules and details are available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Midwest. Additional Resources Available In addition to offering student loans, ISL Education Lending has other resources for families planning for college and for students who intend to pursue advanced degrees. The Parent Handbook consists of valuable tips to help families of students in sixth through 12th grades prepare for success in college and other postsecondary options. Parents of students in eighth through 12th grades can also sign up to receive twice-monthly emailed tips on academic, college and career planning through the Student Planning Pointers for Parents program. The College Funding Forecaster helps families understand the total cost of four years of college based on a freshman-year financial aid offer. Information about these resources is available at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/SmartBorrowing.
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About ISL Education Lending Established in 1979 as Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation, a private, nonprofit organization, ISL Education Lending helps students and families obtain the resources necessary to succeed in postsecondary education. ISL has helped nearly 400,000 students pay for college, offering student loans and other products under the name ISL Education Lending. The organization, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, also provides an array of borrower benefits, financial literacy tools and community reinvestment programs, including support for free college planning services for students and their families. For more information, visit www.IowaStudentLoan.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stephanie Benson, program chair, at irc@illinoisreadingcouncil.org Illinois Reading Council http://illinoisreads.org and www.illinoisreadingcouncil.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IllinoisReads Twitter: https://twitter.com/IllinoisReads #Illinoisreads
Illinois Reading Council's 2023 Illinois Reads Book Selection featured at the IRC Conference on March 9-10, 2023
The Illinois Reading Council (IRC) has just released the list of ILLINOIS READS books for 2023. ILLINOIS READS is a statewide program that promotes reading for all Illinois citizens. The program promotes six books in six different age categories by authors and illustrators who have ties to Illinois. The books range from read-to books for infants to books for adult readers. Bookmarks and posters highlighting the ILLINOIS READS books will be available in early 2023. Order early as supplies are limited! The 2023 ILLINOIS READS Program will also be featured at the annual IRC Conference in Springfield on March 9-10, 2023. Conference registration is now open for educators, librarians, and others interested in promoting literacy. More information is available at the Illinois Reading Council website. The ILLINOIS READS book selections for 2023 are: Ages Birth – 4 Years Would You Come Too? by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Diana Sudyka This is Music: Drums by Rekha S. Rajan Chicago, Baby! by Feather Flores, illustrated by Kelly Leigh Miller ABC Animals! by Stephen F. Majsak I’ll Be Your Polar Bear by Justin Roberts Molly on the Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal Grades 3-5 Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner by Janice N. Harrington Pighearted by Alex Perry A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley Three Strike Summer by Skyler Schrempp Grades 9-12 A Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad by Glennette Tilley Turner Murder Among Friends: How Leopold and Loeb Tried to Commit the Perfect Crime by Candace Fleming As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success by Kendall Coyne Strike the Zither by Joan He The Wolves Are Watching by Natalie Lund Darling by K. Ancrum Grades K-2 The Most Haunted House in America by Jarrett Dapier Stella Keeps the Sun Up by Clothilde Ewing Elephant’s Big Solo by Sarah Kurpiel The Meaning of Pride by Rosiee Thor and illustrated by Sam Kirk Tortoise and Hare: A Fairy Tale to Help You Find Balance by Susan Verde and illustrated by Jay Fleck Yetis are the Worst! by Alex Willan Grades 6-8 Courage by Barbara Binns The Civil War of Amos Abernathy by Michael Leali Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall Tumble by Celia C. PĂ©rez ReThink the Internet: How to Make the Digital World a Lot Less Sucky by Trisha Prabhu Underground Fire: Hope, Sacrifice, and Courage in the Cherry Mine Disaster by Sally M. Walker Adult The Upstairs House: A Novel by Julia Fine Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America by Cody Keenan Eat, Drink, and Be Murray: A Feast of Family Fun and Favorites by Andy Murray Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West Last Summer on State Street: A Novel by Toya Wolfe ILLINOIS READS is sponsored by the Illinois Reading Council, a nonprofit organization with close to 2,000 members across the State of Illinois. The mission of the Illinois Reading Council is to provide support and leadership to all who promote and teach lifelong literacy. Book lists from 2013 to 2022 may be found on the ILLINOIS READS website. More information is also available at www.IllinoisReads.org and www.IllinoisReadingCouncil.org.
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