Statement from Acting President and University Provost Barry Brown

Together with the Dean of the Law School, and on behalf of the University, I would like to address certain issues in connection with the Packages for the Troops effort at the Law School and the discussion that has occurred.

Suffolk University has a century-long history of supporting the free exchange of ideas and robust debate. We respect the right of our faculty members to exercise academic freedom and support all members of our community in speaking freely and expressing their opinions. A consequence of this open dialogue is the articulation of many points of view. As a diverse community, no one opinion or perspective is representative of the views of the whole community.

Along with our support of freedom of expression, Suffolk University has a long and proud history of supporting our men and women who have served their country in the armed forces through many programs and community outreach. We have been at the forefront among very few private institutions in New England in providing education and educational counseling to returning veterans through our Veterans Upward Bound program, which helps U.S. military veterans develop the skills needed for success in college. Through our Yellow Ribbon Program, we provide scholarships to returning veterans for both undergraduate and graduate programs. Suffolk University Law School has been a leader in creating pathways for law graduates to enter careers in the military, including officers in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.

In the long history of Suffolk University, we have embraced discourse within the framework of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We encourage free discussion; yet remain uncompromising in confronting acts of discrimination. As Suffolk's history shows, all of this can be done while supporting our mission to provide access to excellence in education to those who deserve it, not the least of whom are active duty military personnel and returning veterans, who by their brave acts have honored each of us and our nation.

Barry Brown
Acting President and Provost