Open Expression Facilitators

To better support undergraduate student events and open expression policies at Dartmouth, the Office of Student Life sponsors and supports an Open Expression Facilitator Program where faculty and staff serve as viewpoint neutral observers at designated events, while also providing guidance to student organizations on the Freedom of Expression and Dissent policy.

An Open Expression Facilitator's primary role is to provide a presence at, and, if necessary, address disruption at qualifying events hosted by recognized undergraduate student organizations, and offer guidance on FED policy and guidelines. OEFs are viewpoint neutral observers serving without bias.

With proper lead time, coordinators of recognized undergraduate organization events can request the presence of an Open Expression Facilitator. Otherwise, an OEF may be assigned to any undergraduate event where the Freedom of Expression and Dissent policy might be challenged. This determination will be made based on any number of factors, including, but not limited to the presence of a high-profile guest(s); the nature of the content or proposed topic(s); evidence of potential disruption; recommendation by or from the FED committee or College administration.

Examples of events Facilitators have supported: Marianne Williamson, Liz Cheney, Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Queer History Celebration Keynote, Free Speech Symposium, Solidarity March for Gaza, Omer Rafiq, Panel on Israel-Hamas, Congressman Raskin, Debate on Gun Control, Miko Peled, Masih Alinejad.