Presidential Policy Advisory Group issues final report

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingScott Titsworth

The Presidential Policy Advisory Group has issued its final report to President M. Duane Nellis after spending the past five months reviewing public comment and studying the history of Free Speech at Ohio University and the role of free speech at American universities.

The report, which includes 24 recommendations for consideration by the Executive Staff Policy Committee, articulates a need for writing new policies addressing free expression and space use at Ohio University.

“Committee members considered whether the University needs a policy regarding free expression on campus,” said Scott Titsworth, Dean of the Scripps College of Communication and Convener of the Policy Advisory Group. “The committee unanimously agreed that the institution should express its views on the necessity of free expression on our campus while at the same time providing fair notice to the community about what is and is not permissible. Our hope is that a new policy or policies will provide clarity on reasonable restrictions and avoid reliance on subjective, case-by-case decision-making. As is the case at other progressive institutions, reasonable restrictions can co-exist with a vibrant culture of expression, protest, and dissent at Ohio University.”

The Policy Group’s final report can be read in its entirety online at www.ohio.edu/policy-group.

Presidential Advisory Group committee members include: Scott Titsworth, Dean representative and advisory group convener; Landen Lama, President, Student Senate; Maria Modayil, President, Graduate Student Senate; Jacqueline Wolf, designee for Chair, Faculty Senate; Sharon Romina, Chair, Classified Senate; Jessica Wingett, Chair, Administrative Senate; Katherine Jellison, Chair/Director representative; Grant Garber, Legal Affairs representative; Andrew Powers, Chief of Police; Dusty Kilgour, Executive Director of Baker University Center; and Carly Leatherwood, University Communications and Marketing, ex-officio.