Dear °®¶¹´«Ã½ community:
At a time when free speech is being tested and brought into question on college campuses across our nation, we want to reiterate the University of South °®¶¹´«Ã½â€™s shared commitment to free expression and civil discourse. The opportunity to openly exchange ideas, even if we strongly disagree or find some of what is said to be offensive, is among the core values that define our institution.
Yesterday, Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of °®¶¹´«Ã½, sent a memo to university presidents on this subject, which we felt was important to . Put simply: We will not tolerate violence or threats of violence on any °®¶¹´«Ã½ campus.
Earlier this week, a vigil for Charlie Kirk drew more than 1,000 people to the Marshall Student Center on our Tampa campus, while a similar event was held Friday night on our St. Petersburg campus. Regardless of viewpoint, those attending or nearby were able to listen and treated everyone around them with respect.
Our campuses are places where ideas are exchanged, challenged, and refined — not with violence, but with words and reason. Civil discourse is not merely about being polite. It is about seeking understanding and finding common ground.
The safety and well-being of all members of the °®¶¹´«Ã½ community, and our guests, is our highest priority. Thank you for your continued commitment to upholding our shared values.
Sincerely,
Rhea F. Law
President, University of South °®¶¹´«Ã½