

The core purpose of a research university is the creation, preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
Supported by government funding and private philanthropy, research universities in the United States have produced transformational breakthroughs in every domain, generating extraordinary benefits to society. The tremendous success of this distinctively American system of research, education and innovation has garnered respect and admiration across the world.
The most important condition for the enduring success of the American research university is the pursuit of truth solely through the use of reason, argument and evidence rooted in a culture of free inquiry and rigorous debate.1
If it is to pursue the truth wherever it lies, a research university cannot have a political ideology or pursue a particular vision of social change. It contributes to the betterment of society not by pursuing an ideological agenda but through the research and innovation of its faculty and students, by producing educated and knowledgeable leaders, and by serving as a model for civil discourse grounded in critical reasoning.
Our institutions are committed to taking collective and individual action to ensure that this core purpose continues to govern our endeavors in the twenty-first century. We are guided by three key principles:
Excellence
We are committed to excellence in all aspects of our work, free of political criteria. That includes admissions and support of student success, faculty and staff hiring and promotion, the allocation of resources and the recognition of members of our community.
Academic freedom and free expression
We foster an environment of unfettered inquiry and discovery where our faculty and students are free to pursue their academic interests.2
We actively encourage opposing views across a broad spectrum of the human experience, including political, economic, social, religious and other aspects, and provide ample opportunities for open debate and dissent without censorship or retribution.
We live by an ethos of civility and respect for the perspectives of others, guided by policies that support dialogue — and enable research and education — free from disruption.
We are committed to institutional neutrality whereby the institution and its leaders, including those in charge of academic units like schools, departments and research centers, do not take positions on political and social matters not directly connected to the core function of the university. At WashU, students and employees are encouraged to express themselves freely as individuals, but they do not speak or act on behalf of the university.3
Growth and development
We seek to assemble a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and expertise of students, faculty, and staff on our campuses as a core driver of excellence in everything we do.
We are committed to minimizing financial and other barriers that impede students’ access to our institutions or that hinder their academic success, pursuit of excellence, and personal growth.
We are committed to a vibrant campus community where all members can grow in their academic and professional pursuits.
We strive to prepare our students for purposeful and engaged lives and meaningful careers.
By focusing on our core purpose and these key principles, our institutions will be positioned to continue providing our students with a transformational education, conducting pathbreaking research, and driving the field-defining agendas for international scientific learning and research. This is the time to clearly affirm who we are and to live by our purpose and principles in everything we do.
These principles were approved by the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees on December 6, 2024. The Vanderbilt University Board of Trust adopted a similar set of principles on December 5, 2024. Differences between the two are minor and primarily concern references to specific policies at the respective institutions.
- WashU Mission and Vision Statement ↩︎
- Academic Freedom, Responsibility and Tenure policy, approved by the WashU Faculty Senate and WashU Board of Trustees on October 3, 1975 ↩︎
- Protocol for Positions on Issues of Public Policy, adopted August 15, 2019; Guidance on Political, Campaign and Lobbying Activity, Section IV-B ↩︎