As students, we are here to learn not only from professors but from each other as well. Still, there must come a point where learning turns to action and we justify the energy and resources we consumed to get us here.

Chancellor Andrew Martin has made free speech a significant aspect of his administration since becoming chancellor-elect of WashU in 2018. After last year’s protests and dialogue, some WashU community members supported Martin’s response while others have called for Martin to step down for perceivably suppressing free speech. Student Life looked at Martin’s record on free speech over the past six years to examine how he has enforced policies about speech on campus. 

Amidst criticism about the administration’s messaging surrounding politics and a transition in university leadership soon to come, Student Life sat down with Chancellor-elect Andrew Martin to discuss his vision for a more inclusive university. What follows is Martin’s views on free speech and political dialogue at Washington University.

Washington University reaffirmed its commitment to free speech in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order issued Thursday.