AAMCNews senior writer @Patrick Boyle recently covered an issue of critical concern to medical school leaders across the nation: what happens when freedom to speak meets intolerance to listen. While freedom of speech is a fundamental tenet of higher education-and many institutions have doubled down on this commitment by adopting some form of the Chicago Principles-there is a growing tension around free expression and tolerance at some medical schools. Students and faculty declare that certain points of view are antithetical to the mission of medical care and education, and should not get a platform on campus. On the flip side, other students say they do not feel safe expressing opinions that cut against mainstream views for fear of provoking cancel culture hostility from peers and teachers.
Are some views unfit to be discussed in medical school? How has your institution addressed this type of conflict on campus? How can faculty and students foster dynamic dialogue and debate at a time when uncivil discourse is so prevalent?
If you want to hear more about this topic from thought leaders in the space, we hope you'll join us for the #AAMC23 Learn Serve Lead Opening Plenary Session on Saturday, November 4 where AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, will facilitate a spirited conversation among three notable scholars of free speech - Amna Khalid, D Phil, Jacob Mchangama and Michael S. Roth. PhD. They'll discuss how we arrived at this juncture, how to navigate contentious issues, and how campuses can effectively address these controversies.
Note: it's not too late to register for the AAMC Annual Meeting happening in Seattle later this week, but if you can't join us in person, you're encouraged to follow along here in the community or on social media using the hashtag #AAMC23 (X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, & Instagram). A recording of this session will be available to all registrants after the meeting for a limited time on aamc.org.
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Nicole Buckley
Communications Strategist
Association of American Medical Colleges
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