John Filler, UNLV Faculty Senate chair, statement on proposed "hate crimes/ bias incident" policy

UNLV Faculty Senate chair John Filler last week issued this statement on the proposed UNLV hate crimes/ bias incident policy. The UNLV chapter of NFA supports Chair Filler's efforts to bring the insights of faculty into this proposed policy before it is adopted, and to produce a policy that will be embraced by the entire campus community.

"Fundamental to the business of any great university is the free exchange of ideas. If we wish to aspire to greatness as a university, particularly if we wish to achieve international recognition as a research university, we must protect our ability as teachers and scientists to openly engage divergent points of view, even when some may find them offensive. Any behavior, which fails to rise to the level of a crime, but which is deliberately harmful to others should be discouraged if, for no other reason, than that it limits discussion and objective inquiry.

Among other things, I believe it is the responsibility of the Faculty Senate to provide the forum for full and open discussion of any policy that may be interpreted, intentionally or unintentionally, to place boundaries upon the limits of critical discussion and free expression. Because of this fundamental responsibility I am disappointed that President Ashley evidently feels the need to implement a bias policy before a full and open review at a regular meeting of the Faculty Senate has occurred. I have asked him that he not proceed with adoption of the policy until we have had a chance to formally discuss it in its current form. My hope is that he will agree to do so."