UAS Resolution Responding to External Threats to Faculty and Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Whereas, recent and escalating politically motivated actions by governmental bodies pose a significant threat to the foundational principles of American higher education, including the autonomy of university governance, the integrity of scientific research, and the protection of free speech; and,

Whereas, governmental bodies have, in recent weeks, signaled a willingness to target individual academic institutions with legal, financial, and political interference designed to undermine their public mission, silence dissenting voices, and to exert improper control over academic inquiry; and,

Whereas, these political threats place Marquette University’s Catholic, Jesuit mission and tradition, including but not limited to its commitment to the pursuit of truth, and to promoting an environment of free intellectual exchange and educational opportunity between and among diverse students and faculty, at risk; and,

Whereas, political threats to higher education anywhere imperil Marquette’s ability to educate students to be thoughtful leaders, ethical professionals, and engaged citizens, and to contribute to scientific innovation, social progress, and spiritual and intellectual development; and,

Whereas, on March 21, 2022, the University Academic Senate endorsed a Free Speech Statement recognizing that “Marquette University has a solemn responsibility not only to promote lively freedom of debate and deliberation, but also to protect that freedom when others attempt to restrict it”; and,

Whereas, the Academic Senate, as a key pillar of shared governance, must continue to work collaboratively with University leadership and the broader campus community to safeguard our mission.

Therefore, be it resolved that the Marquette University Academic Senate:

1. Supports the belief that higher education institutions were created to serve the public good, and that our determination to further expand the power and the reach of our contributions to the public is at the center of the Marquette University

   mission and an essential commitment of the faculty and staff of Marquette University.

2. Supports our University's Guiding Values, which require us to “pledge personal and holistic development of students; pursue academic excellence and educate students who are men and women for and with others throughout the world; embody a spirit of interdisciplinary curiosity, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and application to change and improve ourselves, our community and our world; nurture an inclusive, diverse community that fosters new opportunities, partnerships, collaboration and vigorous yet respectful debate; live as servant leaders with a commitment to the Jesuit tradition and Catholic social teaching for all people, beliefs and faith traditions; and to create bold, ambitious plans enacted with agility, authentic accountability and a commitment to the greater good.”
3. Recognizes that free, robust and open inquiry, discussion and debate across a wide range of ideas and perspectives is essential to the pursuit of knowledge, the education of students, and the flourishing of a democratic society.
4. Acknowledges the outstanding research, teaching, critical inquiry, student support, and assessment of learning and student services that have long been hallmarks of the University and for which Marquette has received national recognition.
5. Supports the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team in their efforts to expend every effort, commit necessary resources, and use all legal measures to defend our ability to conduct consequential, transformative research and provide high-quality education.
6. Supports the development of a framework to allow for the provision of immediate and strategic support to any institution of higher learning experiencing direct political or legal infringement.

Approved on May 5, 2025