On Aug. 19, Provost Carol Fierke and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Stew Uretsky sent an email to the Brandeis community addressing a consolidated campus use policy open for viewing. 

Fierke and Uretsky began by addressing that “events in the United States and around the world” have affected members of the Brandeis community. They pointed out Brandeis’ devotion to the “pursuit of truth,” as well as its “rich history of fostering respectful and spirited debates” — values which the University strives to embody while maintaining an environment free of “harassment, intimidation or threatening behavior.” 

The email explained the Campus Use of Space Policy, which is a compilation of existing policies that describe appropriate use of grounds and facilities. It is meant to cover all community members as well as all types of activities on campus, “including protests and demonstrations.” 

Fierke and Uretsky also reminded community members about the Rights and Responsibilities which apply to students, a document which is updated each summer. They encourage faculty and staff to review policies related to student activities, as well as reviewing the Faculty Handbook and Brandeis’ Business Conduct Policy. 

To clarify, Fierke and Uretsky highlighted what the policy does not do. According to the email, the consolidated Campus Use of Space Policy does not “change our existing commitment to academic freedom, nor does it address what individuals may say or do on campus.” They also mentioned that the updated policy does not alter Brandeis’ Principles of Free Expression. 

The email closed by mentioning President Liebowitz’s new Task Force on Free Expression, expected to make “recommendations by the end of the calendar year,” and maintaining that all Brandeis policies are meant to contribute to a well-positive learning environment with well-defined policies.