President Jones Signs National Call for Constructive Engagement in Higher Education
Photo by Dan Loh.
Educational leaders from across the nation strongly advocate for academic freedom in challenging times
Dickinson President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, has joined a distinguished group of higher education leaders in signing "A Call for Constructive Engagement," a statement issued by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). The letter advocates for open dialogue, academic freedom and the vital role colleges and universities play in preparing students for thoughtful democratic participation.
The statement—endorsed by over 100 college and university presidents across the country—emphasizes the need for institutions to remain committed to intellectual rigor and civil discourse amid today’s complex political and cultural challenges. President Jones's signature places Dickinson in the company of leading liberal-arts institutions and national universities that are united in defending the essential mission of higher education.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that colleges act courageously and model the kind of constructive engagement we want to see in our broader society,” says Jones. “Dickinson is proud to stand with peer institutions in reaffirming our shared commitment to truth, dialogue and the transformative power of a liberal-arts education.”
The AAC&U’s call underscores the responsibility of colleges to resist polarization, protect free inquiry and equip students to navigate differences with curiosity and respect. Dickinson has long championed these values through its commitment to global education, civic engagement and interdisciplinary learning. By adding his voice to this call, Jones signals that Dickinson remains a national leader in fostering a campus culture rooted in openness, inclusion and purposeful dialogue.
To read the full statement and view the list of signatories, visit AAC&U: A Call for Constructive Engagement.
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Published April 22, 2025