160 California professors defend free speech and open debate on college campuses — 'a healthy university requires a diversity of opinions'

cross-posted from: https://exploding-heads.com/post/42949

"Intellectual discourse and scholarly truth-seeking require open debate and free inquiry. All ideas are subject to scrutiny and critique. Illiberal tactics that silence opinions and discourage dissent in the academy should be rejected," the letter read.

The professors' letter provided examples of the tactics used to silence dissent, including "speech codes, mandatory ideological statements, character assassination and/or reputation destruction, book bans, shouting down of speakers, and administrative discipline without due process (e.g., actions against faculty in response to anonymous bias reporting systems, unsubstantiated allegations, or social media campaigns)."