Civil Dialogue

Why these school leaders are clashing with students’ free speech judgment

Boston University students exercised their right to free speech to shout "obscenities" at a commencement event that would have been "the precursor to a fistfight" back in President Robert A. Brown's youth, according to a statement.

Over 140 and counting former leaders push back on legislative threats to higher ed

Champions of Higher Education kicked off their public campaign last Friday to denounce recent legislation countrywide that they view threatens higher education and, by extension, the nation's democracy. Among the supporters are nine former state university system leaders from Louisiana, Maryland, California and Wisconsin, to name a few.

These states are taking steps to replace unruly hecklers on campus with constructive civil discourse

Political polarization recently led to a fiasco at Stanford University and to one Wayne State University professor getting arrested. Here are three states implementing programs that aim to champion civil discourse so voices can be heard, not silenced.

Higher ed’s worst free speech offenders of 2022

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Freedom (FIRE) selected these institutions based on some of their head-scratching decisions such as circumventing a teacher's academic freedom, removing funding from a LGBTQ+ events, instating policies that would streamline firing tenured professors, and others.

AAUP on Florida College System: “We are appalled” by continued political interference

AAUP replied to Florida College System's decision to restrict race-related class curriculum with a statement that blasts FCS for being "hypocritical" and appalling.

Mockery of Asian language sparks calls for Purdue chancellor to step down

Faculty leaders have demanded the resignation of Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Thomas L. Keon after he blurted out a string of gibberish in a failed, offensive joke he made during a commencement ceremony.

Civil dialogue on campus can be boosted with Perspectives

How a new version of an eight-week course with a long history can help improve discourse at your college.

Ready for the fall? 10 potential policy pitfalls college leaders must address this summer

One litigation specialist says institutions should ensure procedures and strategies are updated before the fall.

When is the right time for college presidents to speak the truth?

Four leaders share how and why they might use the ‘bully pulpit’ to address tough topics in their communities.

What is really being taught in a course on critical race theory?

How an institution in one highly polarized state is going against the odds to offer it to undergraduates.

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