University of New Haven Statement on Institutional Voice

The University of New Haven’s leadership recognizes that these are complicated times in higher education. Notwithstanding, we remain profoundly committed to deliver on our mission. Our mission is to prepare students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society by providing the highest-quality education through experiential, collaborative, and discovery-based learning. This charge is deeply personal to each and every one of us – as it is the focus of the institution to provide an unprecedented return on investment for its students.

In the matter of institutional voice, the University of New Haven is committed to a core notion of the human good. Given its educational and transformational mission, there will be circumstances when the University cannot remain neutral. We will exercise our public voice – sparingly and exclusively – in defense of the human good and, conversely, in denouncing actions that violate our common humanity.

This commitment is neither partisan nor restrictive of academic freedom. Instead, it marks an acknowledgement of an essential set of values – such as respect for others and a spirit of openness and embedded generosity that welcomes and encourages different opinions, perspectives, and criticisms. These values condition the University’s mission of preparing students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society.

True to its mission and embedded can-do spirit, the University of New Haven will focus on educating students to address complex problems and contested topics with an eye toward solutions and a brighter future for all.