As a new school year begins, we’ve been reflecting on last year’s student protests and the heated debates about free speech that continue to take place in the public sphere. We’ve been debating these issues with each other and with our colleagues at our institutions, but wanted to talk live about it on a podcast and share it with our subscribers.

In our conversation, we discuss the complexities of handling free speech issues on college campuses, especially in light of recent protests and the actions of university leaders. We examine the consequences of various administrative decisions, such as bringing police onto campuses during protests, and explore how these decisions have exacerbated conflict.

We discuss several key points:

• The Role of Universities in Handling Free Speech:
  They explore the historical context of universities as spaces for dissent and debate and the modern challenges of managing diverse opinions while maintaining safety and inclusivity.

• Trust and Communication Strategies:
  We emphasize the importance of building trust between students and their administration, with suggestions for university leaders to engage more directly and transparently with student groups.

• Balancing Free Speech and Protecting Vulnerable Groups:
  Jay and Dominic discuss the features of different free speech models, including the Chicago model.

• Positive Examples and Alternative Approaches:
  Jay and Dominic examples of successful university responses to protests, such as building relationships through open dialogue and avoiding overreactions to student activism.

• Future Directions for University Policies:
  We end with recommendations for universities to amend their free speech policies, promote healthy discourse, and better serve their diverse communities.

Guests/speakers: Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer

Podcast producer and host: Yvonne Phan

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