Free Speech Policies Available for Open Comment Period through Nov. 18

As part of an ongoing dialogue, Chancellor Kent Syverud recently announced that Syracuse University will revise three existing University policies governing speech and expression, consistent with recommendations from the Working Group on Free Speech. The impacted policies—including a new anti-harassment policy, a revised computing and electronic communication policy and a revised campus posting policy—are available for review and comment on the University’s policies website through Friday, Nov. 18. Once the comment period has closed, feedback will be reviewed and considered. The policies will then be vetted by the University’s Policy Advisory Committee as set forth in the University’s policy process.

The three policies are designed to accomplish the following:

• adopt a definition of harassment that carefully balances the interests of free speech and expression and the need to provide a safe and respectful campus environment;
• clarify the limited circumstances in which the University may access individual user data on its computer network;
• clarify the rules regarding proper transmission of copyrighted data; and
• consolidate three existing campus posting policies to balance campus infrastructure and enhancements with the free exchange of ideas.

Abby Perer

The University policy process, born from Fast Forward Syracuse, provides for a centralized policy-making process at the University that is intended to improve clarity, consistency and transparency.

The policy website has been updated to include a description of the new policy process, including a standard policy template for developing and submitting requests for new or revised policies. Abby Perer, associate general counsel for litigation and compliance, serves as the University’s policy administrator under the new policy process.

“The Operational Excellence team designed an inclusive process that provides a framework for implementing and maintaining effective University policies,” says Perer. “University policies exist to support a living, learning and working environment that is not only legally compliant, but also safe, respectful and supportive. These goals can only be achieved when members of the University community have a voice in the creation of policies and have insight into their framework and purpose.”

The members of the Policy Advisory Committee include:

• Ellen Hemmerlein, associate general counsel, Office of University Counsel
• Stephen Colicci, director, Office of Audit and Management Advisory Services
• Kristen Jones-Kolod, executive director, Student Affairs
• Abby Perer, associate general counsel, Office of University Counsel
• Can Isik, professor and senior associate dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Sheila Johnson-Willis, interim chief, Equal Opportunity and Title IX officer
• Sarah Scalese, associate vice president, Public Affairs
• Eric Evangelista, president, Student Association
• Rajesh Kumar, president, Graduate Student Organization

Questions or feedback on existing University policies or how to develop a new policy can be directed to Perer at 315.443.8979 or supolicy@syr.edu.