The mission of The Juilliard School is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world, so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.
To this end, The Juilliard School is committed to the general principles of academic and artistic freedom and guarantees Juilliard faculty the broadest possible latitude to perform, create, speak, write, publish, listen, challenge, teach, and learn, in the classroom, on the stage or other performance venues, or elsewhere on campus. This latitude includes expression that others may find unwelcome or offensive. This commitment assures Juilliard faculty the right to teach and students to learn in an environment where excellence in artistic practice and intellectual honesty are realized, in keeping with the school’s mission.
This commitment does not mean that faculty may say or write whatever they wish, wherever they wish. Juilliard may restrict expression that violates the law, that defames others, that constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, that unjustifiably invades privacy or confidentiality interests, or that otherwise results in the creation of a hostile environment. In addition, Juilliard may restrict expression that is incompatible with the functioning of the school and may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the school.
While Juilliard faculty retain their right to free expression both on and off campus, exercise of this right in light of their association with The Juilliard School comes with considerable responsibility. As scholars and working artists, many of whom are often in the public eye, faculty are expected to acknowledge clearly that their opinions and convictions are personal and not institutional. Faculty are also expected, per Juilliard’s Standards of Ethical Conduct, to refrain from activities that conflict with the best interests of the school and avoid conduct that could compromise the integrity or reputation of the school.
As an international institution, The Juilliard School is committed to understanding and respecting the traditions and laws of various societies; however, the free speech norms of the United States are always the foundation upon which our decisions are made.
Decisions regarding limits to academic and artistic freedom will be made by the Office of the Provost with input from faculty.
This policy is subject to periodic institutional review.