In line with our liberal arts mission, Skidmore cherishes freedom of speech, thought, and expression. Diverse opinions, perspectives, and ideas provide opportunities for us to reflect, learn, and grow individually and as an institution. The College fully supports the constitutional rights of assembly and freedom of expression as bulwarks of our democratic process that protect us all.

- Marc Conner
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Activation Plan

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Below is an overview of some campus activities:

  • As a continuation of the 2023 Speech and Expression on College Campuses Symposium event, Skidmore hosted a 3-day residency in March 2024 focusing on freedom of speech, expression, academic freedom with Frederick Lawrence, the former president of Brandeis, who is now the 10th Secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In addition to a public lecture, “Free Speech on Campus in Challenging Times,” Mr. Lawrence met with students and faculty in several fora, including, most notably, a meeting with campus student activists. These activists advocate for a wide spectrum of issues, some, like Israel/Gaza, with diametrically opposing views. He brought this group together to learn to have discussions over difference and shared with them a framework for respectful disagreement that he calls “vigorous civility.”
  • In addition, Skidmore College will send faculty to the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Faculty Institute.
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Marc Conner
President, Skidmore College
Logo for Skidmore College

Below is an overview of some campus activities:

  • As a continuation of the 2023 Speech and Expression on College Campuses Symposium event, Skidmore hosted a 3-day residency in March 2024 focusing on freedom of speech, expression, academic freedom with Frederick Lawrence, the former president of Brandeis, who is now the 10th Secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In addition to a public lecture, “Free Speech on Campus in Challenging Times,” Mr. Lawrence met with students and faculty in several fora, including, most notably, a meeting with campus student activists. These activists advocate for a wide spectrum of issues, some, like Israel/Gaza, with diametrically opposing views. He brought this group together to learn to have discussions over difference and shared with them a framework for respectful disagreement that he calls “vigorous civility.”
  • In addition, Skidmore College will send faculty to the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness Faculty Institute.

In line with our liberal arts mission, Skidmore cherishes freedom of speech, thought, and expression. Diverse opinions, perspectives, and ideas provide opportunities for us to reflect, learn, and grow individually and as an institution. The College fully supports the constitutional rights of assembly and freedom of expression as bulwarks of our democratic process that protect us all.

- Marc Conner