Official University Statements
Given ETSU’s role in the community and the expertise of our faculty, members of the university community are often asked to provide commentary or statements in response to emerging issues, as well as local and world events. The following information is offered to promote transparency regarding the university’s process for deciding when to issue an official statement or response.
On Social Issues, World Events, or Community Tragedies
ETSU officials receive frequent requests for an official statement in response to issues of public concern, world events, or community tragedies. However, the university will do so only rarely. As a public university, ETSU has a responsibility to support free speech as outlined in the State of Tennessee’s Campus Free Speech Protection Act and the University Free Speech Policy. As such, university leaders strive to limit those instances in which they share their own opinions or beliefs. Doing so could have a chilling effect on debate among students and faculty and inhibit the learning process. Additionally, tragedies and conflicts occur with incredible frequency. Attempting to respond to every issue is not only impractical but also inauthentic and unhealthy. Issuing statements frequently calls into question the sincerity of the words we share, particularly if we are unable to pair them with meaningful action.
If a statement or response is not issued on a particular topic, it should not be construed as an endorsement of the ideas in question or as a lack of concern or empathy on the part of the institution. When considering whether or not to issue a formal statement, university leaders consider the following:
- Is the issue or its implications directly related to the mission of the university?
- Are the university’s operations or campus life being significantly disrupted as a result of the issue or situation?
- Is a large proportion of the campus community experiencing a direct impact as a result of the situation at hand?
- Is the university able to take meaningful action in response to the issue?
- Does the university or its leaders possess special expertise related to the issue?
- Will issuing a statement or providing a response provide meaningful comfort or benefits to campus community members? Conversely, will any campus community members be harmed or alienated if a statement is issued? Do any potential benefits outweigh any potential harm?
- Is issuing a statement a highly effective method for communicating with or supporting those affected by this situation?
On the Passing of a Campus Community Member
When a current employee or student passes away, ETSU leaders will often send a message to campus honoring the memory of the individual we lost. University officials do so only if permission is given by the person’s next of kin. Sometimes, however, family members and loved ones prefer to take a more private approach; ETSU strives always to honor their wishes.
In the tragic event of a death on campus, emergency alerts or notifications will only be sent if there is a danger to the campus community. If there is no danger, ETSU officials will first notify the family and consult their wishes.
On Instances of Misconduct or Investigations
If there is immediate danger as a result of a student’s or employee’s misconduct, the university will issue an appropriate warning to the campus, sharing only those details that are required to ensure safety. Otherwise, the university will not offer comment on personnel issues, students’ academic or disciplinary standings, or ongoing investigations.
Personal Statements and Rights
Working for the university does not negate individuals’ civil rights; ETSU employees are free to express personal opinions and values on their personal social media accounts, in interviews with the media, or in public forums.
However, employees — particularly those in leadership positions at ETSU — are advised to exercise care in ensuring that their personal beliefs and positions are not misconstrued as official statements on behalf of the university. Individuals may even want to explicitly state that their opinions are their own and that they are not serving as spokespersons for ETSU in situations where confusion might arise.
Additionally, ETSU employees must follow the university’s Campus Free Speech Policy under the Tennessee Campus Free Speech Protection Act. ETSU employees also must act in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 2-19-206, “the Little Hatch Act,” which prohibits state employees from most displays of political campaign materials on state property.