Breaking News:

EDUCATION + SCHOOLS

University of Utah introducing Viewpoint Representation and Expression Task Force

Jan 25, 2024, 8:00 AM

Image of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion office at the University of Utah. A professor who app...

FILE: The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion office at the University of Utah is pictured on campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. A professor who applied for a job at the University of Utah has filed a lawsuit claiming he is the victim of reverse discrimination. (Marielle Scott/Deseret News)

(Marielle Scott/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY —  The University of Utah wants to make sure that its campus is welcoming to all perspectives and voices. Officials say the Viewpoint Representation and Expression Task Force will work to do just that.

Before university officials announced the task force, several students were criminally charged after they interrupted a movie screening held by a conservative student group.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall said the new task force will evaluate how friendly its campus is when it comes to diverse viewpoints.

“If you look at confidence in institutions overall … there is one institution that lost more confidence with the public than any other. And, that is actually higher ed,” Randall said.

“I think this is a moment where we are having to take a sound look at ourselves and ask the question, ‘how can we actually add more value to society?'”

He said there are a few complaints when it comes to higher education. Namely, they involve degrees, tuition costs, and that (universities are) no longer a “marketplace of ideas.”

What does the Viewpoint Representation and Expression Task Force do?

The U, according to Randall, is considering different viewpoints on campus and how people express them. The overall goal is to make sure the school is a “platform where learning and expression can take place.”

Additionally, Randall said, the task force will look out for bias on campus.

“Step one is to … have this task force actually provide a description of what is going on on campus,” he said. “I’ve asked them to be very wide-ranging in this.”

Randall has asked the task force to examine speakers who come to campus. It will also examine students to see which ones feel comfortable expressing their views and which ones don’t.

“There’s the law and then there’s a culture that we can set on campus,” he said. “We’re hoping … to reframe the culture around dignified speech.”

How to balance protests and freedom of speech

In the past, students have protested speakers at the U. The Viewpoint Representation and Expression Task Force will work to allow future protests while still letting speakers talk freely.

“Protest is permissible on a college campus,” he said. “We can regulate time, place, and manner. And, one of the things that we have to do is ensure that all viewpoints, no matter how disparaging they may be to other groups, are actually allowed to (be heard) on campus.”

This is a “low bar,” according to Randall. It most likely “will not move society forward in a positive way.”

“Part of what we would like to do is really get input from these individual groups, and say, ‘how could we actually make these productive dialogues?'” he said.

Randall is hoping the task force will find solutions, or, at least, ways for everyone on campus to coexist.

Dave & Dujanovic can be heard on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Education + Schools

New bill helps English-learning students...

Adam Small

Bill helps Utah schools facing influx of English-learning students moves to Senate

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would help Utah schools address a surge in English-learning students is just one vote away from heading to the governor’s desk. HB42, sponsored by Rep. Candice Pierucci, R-Herriman, was unanimously passed by a Utah Senate committee Thursday morning. Now it only needs approval from Utah Senate to reach […]

2 days ago

school therapy bill...

Don Brinkerhoff

House passes bill requiring parental notification of school therapy discussions

The House approved legislation mandating that parents be notified of the topics discussed in school therapy sessions.

3 days ago

four-day school week...

Becky Bruce

Utah public school enrollment declines slightly statewide

Utah public school enrollment dropped about a half percent from 2021 to 2024 statewide, though some districts saw much larger gains and losses.

3 days ago

4-day school week...

Don Brinkerhoff

Could a 4-day school week be in the works for rural Utah?

A proposed bill would allow some schools to transition to a 4-day school week. The bill's sponsor said the bill would help rural areas.

4 days ago

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah'...

Devin Oldroyd

How would education in Utah be affected if Department of Education is abolished?

With President Donald Trump moving to abolish the Department of Education, how will it affect Utah's public and higher education systems?

8 days ago

A Kansas City Chiefs helmet, the Vince Lombardi Trophy and a Philadelphia Eagles helmet are seen be...

Allessandra Harris Gurr

BYU study shows Eagles may be playing “riskier” than the Chiefs on Sunday

The study analyzed eight years of NFL data to determine which coaches were conservative or risky on fourth downs.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

University of Utah introducing Viewpoint Representation and Expression Task Force