In June 2024, the Purdue University Board of Trustees boldly declared that Purdue does not take sides on the leading, and often contentious, issues of the day.
Purdue’s approach here doesn’t just contradict the Kalven Report, it reverses its purpose. Neutrality is meant to limit institutional speech, not to control the speech of others.
I wrote about this pattern recently, how many universities adopted neutrality policies only after facing reputational pressure. Not from conviction, but from panic. That timing often tells you everything you need to know.
Purdue’s approach here doesn’t just contradict the Kalven Report, it reverses its purpose. Neutrality is meant to limit institutional speech, not to control the speech of others.
I wrote about this pattern recently, how many universities adopted neutrality policies only after facing reputational pressure. Not from conviction, but from panic. That timing often tells you everything you need to know.
The Timing Is the Tell
https://eddiegunn.substack.com/p/the-timing-is-the-tell