Is There a Free Speech Crisis on College Campuses? (Redux)

In April 2019, “Hot Topics” was still pretty new: Our second session asked this question, “Is there a free speech crisis on college campuses?” and offered this description:

Colleges and universities are meant to be places to seek new knowledge, test ideas and opinions, and seek the truth.  But what happens when those ideas and opinions challenge deeply held beliefs and principles, and create discomfort or even feelings of threat?  Are colleges really the protectors of free thought and speech, or the guardians of acceptable behavior?  And how does our own college fit in?

Five years later, particularly in the wake of student demonstrations about the Israel-Gaza conflict on college campuses across the country, this topic is hotter than ever, and worth revisiting.

In preparation for our conversation, please read:

·      The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) “2024 College Free Speech Rankings”

·      “Michigan Protestors Bring Honors Convocation to a Halt”

·      “House Republicans Float Bill to Require Free Speech on Campuses”

·      “Columbia Has Changes Its Protest Policy – Again”

·      “Presidents Can’t Win”

·      The NECC “Guest Speaker Policy”

And consider questions like:

·      Should there be any boundaries for speech on a college campus, and if so, what should they be (and how should they be enforced)?

·      Are students more, or less, tolerant of free speech than they used to be?  If they have changed, how and why?

·      In your experience, has NECC ever seemed to unreasonably limit free speech, or not limit speech enough?

·      Should colleges adopt neutrality policies and not take positions on important issues?

Please let us know you are attending by registering here: https://northernessex.wufoo.com/forms/z1n4rlxv15ab1s0/