Introducing the Institutional Neutrality Working Group

November 15, 2024

Dear Tufts University community members,

Over the summer, university leadership began to consider whether it is appropriate for Tufts to establish a policy of not taking positions on geopolitical or social matters that do not pertain directly to the teaching and research mission of the university.

Tasked by President Kumar with exploring the appropriateness of a statement of institutional neutrality for Tufts, last month I charged a group of faculty across our schools, under the co-chairpersonship of Vice Provost for Faculty Colleen Ryan and Professor of International Law at Fletcher Ian Johnstone, with making a recommendation on this topic. The faculty working group began meeting this week and includes the following members:

Co-Chairs: Ian Johnstone, Colleen Ryan

Faculty Committee Members: J.P. de Ruiter, Kimberly Dong, Kevin Dunn, Kendra Field, Michael Glennon, Peter Levine, Malik Mufti, Elena Naumova, Aruna Ramesh, Mark Sheldon

Should the working group recommend a statement of institutional neutrality, it will also be responsible for drafting that statement, which will apply university-wide to all our schools and colleges. We will send another university-wide communication to keep the community updated regarding the committee’s recommended course of action.

The university remains committed to supporting its community members through programs, policies, and initiatives. No matter the outcome of this work, we will continue to act according to our values and in support of our mission.

Sincerely,

Caroline Genco
Provost and Senior Vice President