Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Woodward Report on the Freedom of Expression at Yale

At Yale, we believe that the free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the vibrant intellectual life of our community and foundational to deep academic inquiry. This commitment is affirmed in the 1974 Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale (“Woodward Report”), representing Yale’s free expression policy. This year, Yale marks the 50^th anniversary of adopting the Woodward Report as a foundational standard for university policy. The guidelines within the report are intended to promote free expression and a culture of civil discourse throughout the university community.

View the Report at Sterling Memorial Library

The original copy of the Woodward Report will be on display at Sterling Memorial Library through February 2025. Visit the library during normal business hours to view this historical document.

Test Your Knowledge to Win Swag

We invite you to read the report and test your knowledge for a chance to win swag, including branded Hydro Flasks, hats, tote bags, and more. Either way, you win by learning about the origins of free speech policies at Yale.

Create Space to Thrive with These Five Strategies

On September 19, Yale managers gathered to hear from two experts from the Yale School of Management: Heidi Brooks, senior lecturer in organizational behavior, and Kavitha Bindra, assistant dean and executive director of executive education. Together, they shared their expertise and experiences on how to create space for teams to thrive. While their conversation centered on the workplace, their insights apply to the classroom and broader campus community. Learn about the five strategies discussed in that Cultivating Conversation-sponsored session and explore additional resources such as podcasts, books, and more.

Learn about free expression at Yale

As the new academic year begins, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to watch a video reinforcing Yale’s commitment to free expression. In the video, Secretary and Vice President for University Life Kimberly Goff-Crews ’83 B.A., ’86 J.D.; Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Diversity Chair and Department of Internal Medicine Paul B. Beeson Professor of Medicine Gary Desir ’80 M.D; Yale College Student Mason Shipp ’25; and Woodbridge Fellow Yasmeen Abed ’24 B.A. share their perspectives. They invite the Yale community to be open and curious—to engage in conversation with one another.

The free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the vibrant intellectual life of the Yale community and foundational to deep academic inquiry. Learn more by visiting Free Expression, and reading the Report of the Committee on Freedom of Expression at Yale (“Woodward Report”), which represents Yale’s free expression policy.

Introducing Cultivating Conversation

As recently announced by Secretary and Vice President for University Life Kimberly-Goff Crews, Cultivating Conversation, an initiative of Belonging at Yale, creates a framework in which members of the Yale community can engage with one another respectfully, be open and curious to differing perspectives that may not align with our own, and equipped to converse, connect, and engage with people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Read a YourYale article and watch a related video featuring Secretary and Vice President for University Life Kimberly Goff-Crews ’83, ’86 J.D., describing the Cultivating Conversation initiative and the role that it plays in advancing the mission of the university.