Brandon Warmke, incoming Associate Professor of Humanities at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education, shared how he lays down the law—philosophically and pedagogically—on day one.
He reads a statement on academic freedom straight from his syllabus (sometimes twice), establishing the foundation of his classroom:
“This institution respects free inquiry and free speech. We operate in the currency of reasons and arguments and ideas.”
Warmke welcomes all viewpoints—but only if students are prepared to engage seriously:
“No ideas or arguments are out of bounds, as long as you give... an argument.”
Still, there are clear lines that won’t be crossed:
“We're not gonna silence people, we're not gonna make fun of people... or do emotional pleas in the classroom.”
His final message is both blunt and respectful:
“If you don't like it, that's OK—no shade—but this class may not be for you.”
Warmke’s approach reflects a broader mission at UF’s Hamilton School: to cultivate classrooms defined by intellectual rigor, open debate, and mutual respect.
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