We, concerned members and outside supporters of the Duke community, call for a constructive conversation about social issues and the affirmation of Duke University’s commitment to academic freedom on campus. We have encountered a campus climate that too often values identity politics over reasoned discussion and debate when confronting real - and at times misperceived - instances of injustice. Recent events on campus, such as the silencing of student authors by removing copies of The Chronicle from campus, student disrespect of President Brodhead, and Dean Valerie Ashby’s recent email indicating the administration is starting to implement several policies presented by the Demands of Black Voices have prompted us to come together and take action.

 The full transcript of Duke Open Campus Coalition’s open letter to President Brodhead can be found here - http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2016/01/an-open-letter-to-president-brodhead. 

We respectfully request that you stand with us in defending our University’s commitment to free speech and constructive academic dialogue.