Statement on University Values and Voice

Upon the recommendation of the Brown faculty, the Brown Corporation approved a formal Statement of University Values and Voice in May 2025 outlining four core institutional values to guide the University in the fulfillment of its mission: the pursuit of knowledge and understanding; academic freedom and freedom of expression; a commitment to openness and diversity of ideas, perspectives and experiences; and responsibility for a thriving academic community. While Brown’s charter and mission statement had given the institution clear purpose across generations, the University had never before defined its core values. Created through an inclusive community process and developed to stand the test of time, the statement articulated in plain, uncomplicated terms a core set of principles. The statement also defined University “voice” — a public statement or action that intentionally expresses a position on an issue — and clarified why it is used.