What If We're Wrong About Inclusion?

We've all heard the argument: academic freedom and inclusion are at odds. On one side, the freedom to explore and challenge ideas without fear of censorship; on the other, the need to create a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone. But what if we're looking at inclusion all wrong?

Inclusion Isn't About Comfort. It's About Growth.

Inclusion, traditionally defined as ensuring all individuals feel valued and able to fully participate, is inherently consistent with growth and discomfort — because true belonging requires engaging with diverse perspectives and challenging assumptions. If we redefine inclusion — not as comfort, but as growth — the tension between academic freedom and inclusion all but disappears.

True inclusion isn't about wrapping people in bubble wrap and avoiding hard conversations. It's about making sure everyone has the tools and support to show up, speak up, and engage fully — even when it's uncomfortable.

Academic Freedom Fuels Growth

When people argue that academic freedom and inclusion clash, they're usually operating under a definition that sees inclusion as an extension of comfort. But if inclusion is really about growth, then academic freedom becomes a crucial part of it. You can't grow without the freedom to explore, question, and even disagree.

Concrete steps forward: teach people how to navigate discomfort; support resilience through mentorship and facilitated discussions; draw clear lines between protected exploration and genuine harm; and reframe inclusion as engagement with conflict, not avoidance of it.

A Better Path Forward

When we stop treating inclusion as the enemy of academic freedom and start seeing it as an ally, everything changes. Academic freedom helps us grow intellectually. Inclusion helps us grow as a community. Together, they create an environment where people aren't just safe — they're challenged, inspired, and equipped to handle the real world.