Frequently Asked Questions
➜ Q: What is the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is a non-partisan group of Dartmouth alumni, students, faculty, staff and parents that seeks to encourage and support initiatives protecting Free Speech and increasing Viewpoint Diversity at Dartmouth College. The DFSA is the Dartmouth chapter of the Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA), an organization that now has chapters at 27 US colleges and universities.
➜ Q: What is the mission of the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: See our Mission Statement by clicking here.
➜ Q: Is the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance affiliated with the Dartmouth Alumni Association?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is an independent association established and governed by Dartmouth alumni volunteers. DFSA operates independently from both Dartmouth College and the Dartmouth Alumni Association. DFSA is working towards formal affiliation with the Dartmouth Alumni Association, like other special interest and affinity groups of Dartmouth alumni.
➜ Q: Why was the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance founded?
➜ A: Free expression and debate have been on a long decline at American colleges and universities due to the chilling effects of policies and practices that restrict speech and discourage and limit viewpoint diversity. But the tide is now turning. Many institutions, including Dartmouth, are re-establishing protections for open discourse and pulling back from taking sides on political issues. Dartmouth is now leading the Ivy League in this area. The College is taking concrete actions to restore the institutional framework protecting free speech, and President Beilock is championing a vision for a healthy campus culture that embraces robust debate and viewpoint diversity,
The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) was established in 2023 to organize alumni and other members of the Dartmouth community to advocate for a stronger free speech environment. We actively support the positive developments underway and will continue to challenge Dartmouth to be a leader among peer institutions promoting free speech, intellectual inquiry, and viewpoint diversity. The DFSA is part of a national movement as one of 27 similar groups that collaborate through the Alumni Free Speech Alliance. We invite all who support these objectives – alumni but also faculty, students, staff, and parents – to join us to ensure that the seeds of the free speech revival at Dartmouth take root and flourish.
➜ Q: With whom is the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance affiliated?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is an independent organization focused on promoting and defending the values of free speech, viewpoint diversity and academic freedom at Dartmouth. DFSA is governed and led by independent Dartmouth alumni under its own corporate charter. DFSA is not a part of Dartmouth or of the Dartmouth Alumni Association. DFSA speaks solely for itself and does not represent the viewpoints or positions of Dartmouth. The DFSA is part of a national movement as one of 27 similar groups that collaborate through the Alumni Free Speech Alliance. We invite all who support these objectives – alumni but also faculty, students, staff, and parents – to join us to ensure the free speech revival at Dartmouth can strengthen and flourish.
➜ Q: Is the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance a conservative organization?
➜ A: No. The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting free speech, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom at Dartmouth. In recent years, higher education has been more welcoming to the political Left, so a significant portion of this year's efforts seek to support an atmosphere so that those in the middle or those on the Right do not feel they must self-censor any views opposed to the political Left. We welcome alumni, students, and other community members from all points on the political/ideological spectrum who oppose suppression of free speech, and cherish healthy viewpoint diversity. DFSA focuses on issues affecting core values related to free speech and viewpoint diversity without taking stances on other matters.
➜ Q: Is the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance a political organization?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is organized as a non-profit corporation under the laws of Connecticut and is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the US Internal Revenue Service. As such, DFSA is not allowed to engage in political activity or lobbying of any kind.
➜ Q: Why is free speech important at Dartmouth?
➜ A: Dartmouth is a leading liberal arts college, known for valuing free expression, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom. These principles are essential for educational advancement, the development of knowledge, and preparation of students to contribute as informed leaders after Dartmouth. Suppression of alternative viewpoints hinders scholarly progress. Dartmouth's reputation attracts top faculty and students, but it must maintain an environment where innovative ideas can thrive to continue this success.
➜ Q: Is there a free speech problem at Dartmouth?
➜ A: There are troubling indicators that speech suppression is occurring at Dartmouth, and that a substantial number of the faculty, students and staff are practicing frequent self-censorship. At the same time the campus climate for free speech is improving, and the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance is keen to support and accelerate those efforts.
➜ Q: Why do you support "free speech" AND "academic freedom"? Aren't these the same thing?
➜ A: While "free speech" and "academic freedom" both support intellectual progress and democratic values, they have distinct meanings. Free speech is a universal right for all individuals, allowing activities like protests and affiliation with ideologies. Academic freedom is a specific right for professors, enabling them to teach and research controversial subjects without fear of reprisal. There are limitations to students' free speech in classrooms, whereas professors have broad latitude in teaching as long as what they teach is related to their area of expertise. Both concepts are essential at the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance, where we support broad interpretations and minimal restrictions on these freedoms.
➜ Q: Are speech and viewpoint suppression really that bad at Dartmouth?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) believes that any form or amount of suppression of speech, whether at a public or private university, which would be protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, is unacceptable. Speech suppression is particularly incompatible at a university that wants to continue to be among the best in the world. Although the College can set time, place and manner restrictions on the form of speech so as to not impede the basic functioning of the university, these restrictions should not be so onerous or burdensome as to constrain free expression.
Dartmouth continued to receive a Yellow Light rating (below average) in the latest annual survey of college speech policies by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). In its 2025 annual student survey, based on data collected in June of 2024, FIRE also ranked Dartmouth #224 among 257 major colleges in terms of support for free speech on campus. In that survey, 48% of Dartmouth students surveyed say they have self-censored on campus at least once or twice a month.
In the 2025 FIRE survey, Columbia and Harvard ranked next to last and last, respectively, while Yale, Cornell and Princeton each ranked higher than Dartmouth. In a related survey of university faculty nationwide, FIRE asked faculty “How often faculty on this campus felt they could NOT express their opinion because of how others would respond.” Thirty-seven percent of Dartmouth faculty responded “Occasionally,” and 16% responded “Fairly Often.”
Since the latest FIRE survey was conducted, Dartmouth has revised its written policies, and FIRE has given Dartmouth a Green Light (Big Green?) rating for its speech code. Had Dartmouth gotten a Green Light rating when the rankings were conducted, it would have ranked #107. Based on these objective measures, as well as on administrative institutions and conversations with many members of the Dartmouth community, the DFSA believes that speech suppression and peer pressure to follow the party line is still occurring at Dartmouth.
➜ Q: Are there no limits to what people can be permitted to say?
➜ A: There should be almost no restrictions on the thoughts and expressions of people in a liberal society, let alone in an institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and pursuing the scientific method. However, some very tightly defined limits are appropriate. Those limits are expressed well in the Chicago Principles, which are consistent with the limits defined by the US Supreme Court in interpreting the First Amendment. These strict limits are also expressed in the Dartmouth Statement on Freedom of Expression and Dissent.
On this subject, the Dartmouth Statement says:
Freedom of expression and dissent is protected by Dartmouth regulations. Dartmouth prizes and defends the right of free speech and the freedom of the individual to make their own disclosures, while at the same time recognizing that such freedom exists in the context of the law and in responsibility for one's own actions. The exercise of these rights must not deny the same rights to any other individual. The institution therefore both fosters and protects the rights of individuals to express dissent.
The Chicago Principles states:
The University may restrict expression that violates the law, that defames a specific individual, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interest, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the University.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that the First Amendment does not protect speech for reasons such as committing fraud or inciting violence. The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance supports these limitations and advocates for civil, respectful, and open protected speech.
➜ Q: Hasn’t the Dartmouth Statement on Freedom of Expression and Dissent adopted by the Dartmouth faculty and administration resolved any free speech problems at Dartmouth?
➜ A: The Dartmouth faculty’s adoption of its Dartmouth Statement on Freedom of Expression and Dissent is a positive step toward restoring free speech. President Beilock has stated, “Dartmouth thrives on the exchange of diverse viewpoints. Respectful sharing of different perspectives is essential for learning.”
These formal policy changes are a good start, but DFSA believes that rebuilding a true culture of free expression at Dartmouth will require effort and time. Senior college leadership must strongly and frequently communicate their commitment to these values, and policies, practices, and programs that suppress and discourage free expression must be removed.
➜ Q: Won’t publicizing this issue make Dartmouth look bad?
➜ A: Dartmouth has earned its reputation as a top liberal arts college through consistent excellence in education and research. The members of the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) respect Dartmouth highly and are committed to helping maintain its exceptionalism. DFSA believes that Dartmouth's excellence relies on upholding freedom of expression, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom. Sometimes referred to as the "Sane Ivy," compared to other Ivy League schools, Dartmouth has a strong reputation for supporting free speech. DFSA aims to further this reputation by supporting and accelerating improvements in Dartmouth's free speech policies and practices.
To eliminate cultural elements that condone and enable speech suppression, Dartmouth must make significant efforts, some of which will inevitably be public due to Dartmouth’s prominence. This process is vital for Dartmouth to maintain its premier status among US universities, and we believe that positive publicity will follow as visible progress is made.
➜ Q: Why should I join the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: Join the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) to support free expression, the voicing of diverse perspectives, and academic freedom at Dartmouth. Social and online pressures have shifted Dartmouth away from these values. DFSA and its supporters can help strengthen recent efforts to promote free expression.
➜ Q: Who can join the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: Membership in the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) is available to individuals interested in Dartmouth and who support free speech, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom as important values for the advancement of knowledge. DFSA operates independently from Dartmouth and is organized and led by Dartmouth alumni. The organization welcomes all members of the Dartmouth community—alumni, faculty, students, parents of students, and staff—as well as friends of Dartmouth who share these values.
➜ Q: How much does it cost to belong to the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: Membership in the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance is free! We believe that supporting freedom of expression, diverse viewpoints, and academic freedom should not cost anything. There is no upfront fee or annual dues. Members have access to most materials, the website, and virtual events at no charge. Occasionally, we may ask for volunteer time or financial donations.
➜ Q: What can I do to support free speech, viewpoint diversity and academic freedom at Dartmouth?
➜ A: Join the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) to support free speech, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom at Dartmouth. This shows Dartmouth that these values matter to you. Stay connected with the College and informed about free speech issues on campus. DFSA will inform its members but also use your own contacts and research. Don't rely solely on Dartmouth or the Dartmouth Alumni Association for information. Communicate your values and concerns to the Dartmouth administration respectfully and constructively; this is often the most effective approach.
➜ Q: What is the best way to support the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: Support the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) by:
➜ Joining as a public member to uphold free speech, viewpoint diversity, and academic freedom at Dartmouth.
➜ Informing classmates and fellow alumni about self-censorship and lack of viewpoint diversity at Dartmouth, and encouraging alumni to join DFSA.
➜ Volunteering your time. DFSA relies on alumni and student volunteers for advocacy, research, content preparation, member outreach, event planning, website management, and social media operations.
➜ Donating financially with tax-deductible contributions. Consider donating to the DFSA.
➜ Q: Is this just a waste of effort because we can’t fight or change the erosion of freedom of speech?
➜ A: Larger segments of society are becoming aware of the varied challenges to free speech from different political and ideological groups, and by media - - - social, mainstream, and partisan. The national discussion on this issue is expanding, and more supporters of free speech are gaining visibility, becoming active, vocal, and recognized. The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance serves as an advocate for the Dartmouth community on these matters.
Dartmouth has recently advanced some important free speech initiatives. In January 2024, it introduced Dartmouth Dialogues to encourage conversations bridging political and personal divides, with the Dialogue Project training individuals in respectful idea exchange. Dartmouth also recently expanded the Open Expression Facilitators program. These trained faculty and staff now oversee all campus events, including undergraduate ones, to manage and prevent disruptions. The College has made progress on restoring freedom of expression at Dartmouth. We will continue to make efforts to help restore a culture of free-wheeling, open, and vigorous intellectual debate on campus.
➜ Q: Why should I care about this? I have graduated and moved on, and Dartmouth is not that important to me.
➜ A: Every Dartmouth graduate, whether from the undergraduate or graduate programs, must evaluate how attending Dartmouth impacted their life, development, and career. We each decide if we are proud of this achievement. Many of us have gained from the prestige of graduating from a renowned university. Maintaining Dartmouth’s reputation benefits all its alumni. Graduates should consider whether the benefits they have received inspire them to support diverse future alumni. Dartmouth provided each graduate with the opportunity to succeed, and they can give back to help others do the same.
➜ Q: Why should I associate myself with a movement that might prove threatening to my job?
➜ A: People have lost jobs and careers for expressing differing viewpoints. The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) allows advocates of free speech to join anonymously to avoid retaliation. Members receive DFSA updates, event access, but we do not have a member directory that anyone outside the Board of Directors can see. DFSA also accepts anonymous financial donations, and its donors do not need to be publicly disclosed.
➜ Q: Shouldn’t the alumni voice their concerns about Dartmouth through the Dartmouth Alumni Association?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Alumni Association plays a crucial role in connecting the College with its graduates. It helps share information with alumni, raises donations, and fosters community through reunions, education programs, and regional clubs. Funded entirely by Dartmouth, the Association focuses on communicating Dartmouth's positions to alumni. It does represent some alumni views, but it mainly serves to convey official messages from the College.
➜ Q: If I disagree with the current direction of Dartmouth, should I withhold donations to the College?
➜ A: Alumni play a crucial role in funding the College, helping Dartmouth maintain its global standing. The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance supports alumni in making their own choices regarding donations and does not encourage withholding contributions from Dartmouth.
➜ Q: What are the objectives of the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) aims to ensure Dartmouth remains a top global university in both performance and reputation. To achieve this, restoring free expression on campus is essential. The DFSA specifically aims for Dartmouth to rank in the top decile of colleges and earn a sustained Green Light rating in the annual FIRE survey ranking.
➜ Q: What does DFSA do to improve the free speech culture at Dartmouth?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) promotes and supports free speech on the Dartmouth campus for all community members. We plan to stay informed about free speech issues on campus. In the future we will highlight, publicize, and address incidents where speech, viewpoints, or academic privileges are limited or compromised. We will be in communication with the Dartmouth administration. DFSA organizes and supports programs that demonstrate respectful dialogues on campus, especially over controversial issues, through debates, presentations, and related activities.
➜ Q: Why does the Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance promote civil discourse?
➜ A: The Dartmouth Free Speech Alliance (DFSA) values respectful and productive discussions to resolve differences in values, theories, opinions, and facts. Conversations should aim to enlighten rather than provoke, seeking truth over easy victories. As an institution focused on knowledge and learning, DFSA encourages civil exchanges without resorting to personal attacks or ineffective methods. Understanding grows from mutual respect. DFSA supports open, logical, and factual discourse on all issues, allowing challenging expressions as long as they don't disrupt University functions or result in the "heckler's veto."