The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement hosted its fifth annual #SpeechMatters conference on March 23. The event – which was held virtually – focused on democratic freedoms and included remarks from 19 speakers.
Institutions issue recommendations on when and how departments should make political statements, if at all. This guidance generally urges caution, citing academic freedom risks.
An appearance by a conservative pundit at the University of New Mexico provoked raucous protests, renewing discussion of how universities can prepare for controversial speakers.
A program seeks to build bridges between conservative Christian colleges and colleges known for their liberal ideals. The goal is to chip away at religious and political polarization on campuses and nationwide.
PEN America and the American Association of Colleges and Universities come out once more against so-called divisive concepts bans, saying they represent the biggest threat of all to free speech.