Memorial University is committed to creating an environment that encourages open discourse, celebrates diversity, and respects the independent viewpoints of its community members. To preserve these values, the university adheres to a principle of institutional neutrality on political matters.

While academic staff and other community members are free to express personal views and engage in public discourse, University Officers—defined as the President, Vice Presidents, Provost, Chancellor, Chair of the Board of Regents, and their official delegates as well as any individual authorized to speak on behalf of the institution— will remain neutral when asked for the university’s position on a given issue. This neutrality does not restrict their personal expression or academic freedom, provided it is clearly distinguished from official university positions.

This principle will inform how Memorial communicates on political matters. We remain committed to caring for our community members affected by or feeling harmed by events whether locally, nationally or internationally. As needed, we will continue to provide our community with information about how to access mental well-being resources, academic supports, and financial assistance.
Institutional neutrality is not a sign of indifference. Rather, the university commits itself to the principle of institutional neutrality because it values its duty to the public. Memorial University must be a place where all voices can be heard without the institution endorsing a particular stance. As per the Kalven Report, (1967), “The university is the home and sponsor of the critics – it is not itself the critic.”

This principle does not apply to students, faculty, staff, academic units, or external guests, nor does it prevent University Officers or the Institution from facilitating or hosting diverse viewpoints. It also does not override the protections of academic freedom outlined in collective agreements, which take precedence in case of conflict. This principle is not violated when the University, as a public institution, makes decisions directly related to its core mission, its governance or its operations. Further, Memorial University, in keeping with its responsibilities and obligations under the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, remains opposed to harm directed at individuals or groups based on grounds protected under the Act.

This statement has been endorsed by the Board of Regents and was informed by The Kalven Report (University of Chicago, 1967) and The Case for Institutional Neutrality at Canadian Universities (Greenberg, 2025).