Diversity & Inclusion
Overview
Decades of research have shown that diversity, nurtured in a welcoming and respectful environment, encourages critical thinking, reduces harmful stereotypes, and strengthens the ability to communicate, work and play across lines of identity and difference. These are essential skills for participants in a globally-connected world, and Stony Brook is committed to providing the richly diverse learning and clinical environment where free speech underpins our embrace of diversity in all its facets by supporting voices from all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives and upholding robust protections for academic freedom.
Case Study - University of Minnesota Twin Cities: Campus Murals
Case Study - Georgetown University: Historical Oppression
Case Study - Yale University: Renaming of a College
Case Study - Pierce College: Free Speech Zone
The Law
Under federal law, all faculty, staff, administrators, and students have a right to an equal learning environment on campus free from discrimination and harassment. When speech crosses the line into discrimination or harassment, it is no longer protected, and the university has both a right and an obligation to hold people accountable for it. The term “hate speech” does not have a legal definition in the United States. Nevertheless, the term often refers to speech that insults or demeans a person or group of people on the basis of particular attributes such as race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. While the University condemns speech of this kind, there is no “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment. “Hate speech” is constitutionally protected speech. “Hate speech” is illegal if it falls into one of the exception categories, i.e., inciting illegal activity, speech that is deemed a true threat, or is considered harassment. On many occasions, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that prohibitions or punishments for hate speech violate the First Amendment. It is important to note that just because there is a First Amendment right to say something, however, doesn’t mean that it should be said. The First Amendment protects the right to say hateful things, but as a campus, Stony Brook strives to be a community where no one chooses to express hate.
Our Principles
- Stony Brook University is dedicated to open inquiry, knowledge, and insight. As such, free speech and peaceful assembly are fundamental to our mission.
- The University is deeply committed to equality, civility, caring, responsibility, accountability, and respect. We revere and foster these core values.
- True freedom of expression entails a responsibility to acknowledge and respect the beliefs of others. As an inclusive community, we will not encroach on the rights of others, either as individuals or as groups, and will never fail to respect our differences. In keeping with our mission and values, we will often agree to disagree.
- The University encourages a climate of listening and dialogue in tandem with support for free speech.
- The University acknowledges that physical barriers, historical traditions, inequities, prejudices, and power dynamics can impact a culture of openness and will address the aforementioned barriers for the benefit of all.
- The University is committed to creating a community that will engage in open and respectful discourse predicated on the presumption of respect for differences, including differences of view that cause disagreement.
- As a campus, Stony Brook strives to be a community where no one chooses to express hate.
- The University will ensure equitable space and opportunities for diverse political perspectives and thoughts.