To: The Wellesley College Community
From: President Paula A. Johnson
Re: Upcoming Student Organization Speaker Event on Campus
Date: October 19, 2021
Over the last several days, I have heard from many students and alumnae who have raised concerns about an upcoming event sponsored by a student organization that includes a speaker who holds anti-abortion views. This speaker also actively shares views on social media related to gender that have upset many in our community. Some have called on the College to cancel this event, which we do not plan to do. I want to explain why.
At Wellesley, we believe that freedom of expression is fundamental to our educational mission. It is one of the foundations of our democracy, and it is central to our values as a liberal arts college. We work together to create an environment in which these freedoms can flourish and where we can explore and express ideas, including those that may be challenging or uncomfortable. This ability to have challenging conversations about difficult issues is one of the ways Wellesley strives to prepare our students to think critically and participate actively in a democratic society.
Under our student event guidelines, student organizations may invite speakers to campus. We empower our students, and the organizations they form, to select speakers who reflect their views and interests.
As someone who believes deeply in and has spent much of my life advocating for women’s reproductive freedom, I do not share this particular speaker’s views on reproductive rights. Nor do I agree with the views she has expressed about gender—statements that I recognize transgender students and other members of our community find deeply painful. But while I may disagree with her, I respect the right of this student organization to choose her as its speaker.
At the same time, I recognize that words are not without consequence, and they can be hurtful. Wellesley’s policies strongly prohibit discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation, among other legally protected bases, and Wellesley requires that all student-invited speakers be advised in advance of Wellesley’s commitment to nondiscrimination and diversity on our campus. I want to let our transgender students and community members know that Wellesley affirms and supports you as valued members of our community. We care deeply about your well-being. The Division of Student Life is planning events that provide support and self-care for our students during this time.
At a time when this country is so divided around social and cultural issues, I hope Wellesley can be a place that recognizes that while we may share different views, we are one community. We all deserve to be treated with respect and grace.
