Most universities would seek to create an education
environment where students would be free to speak opinions, hold beliefs, debate
concepts without fear of retribution. For example, University of Texas mission statement
states its mission is to “advance socially just learning and working environments that
foster a culture of excellence through diverse people, ideas and perspectives.”
The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights was
passed December 10, 1948 at the end of World War II in order to prevent future
atrocities similar to what happened to the Jews by Nazi Germany. In essence the
declaration was that human rights must be protected by the International community. The
preamble to the Declaration states:
"The recognition of the inherent dignity and of
the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice and peace in the world….Disregard and contempt for human rights has
resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind. The advent of
a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from
fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common
people."
Articles 18 and 19
primarily represent that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience,
religion, opinion and expression and to hold those opinions without interference.
These are the underlying concepts in mission statements of most major universities which
also include traditional concepts of non-discriminatory policies in accordance with
federal law.
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