Say Anything? Academic Freedom and Free Speech on College Campuses

College campuses implicitly practice and celebrate academic freedom. Similarly, freedom of speech, already protected by the First Amendment, is crucial to discourse, debate, and inquiry. Yet these freedoms seem more vulnerable than ever in higher education. Everything from political correctness and peer pressure to backlash and legislation have impacted faculty and students, who are not always able or willing to say what they think, especially about controversial topics. Join us for a moderated conversation during Free Speech Week with visiting speakers who will discuss academic freedom and free speech, especially in the context of a liberal arts education. The discussion will be followed by audience Q&A. 

About our speakers…

Amna Khalid is professor of History at Carleton College. She specializes in modern South Asian history and has a keen interest in intellectual freedom, higher education, and public scholarship. Khalid has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on academic freedom, free speech, and campus politics. Her essays and commentaries have appeared in a wide range of outlets, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, The New Republic, and Washington Monthly. Her work has been cited in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among other media outlets. 

Jeff Snyder is professor of Educational Studies at Carleton College. A historian of education, Snyder studies the modern United States and examines questions about national identity, intellectual freedom and the purpose of public education in a diverse, democratic society. Snyder’s articles, essays, and book reviews have appeared in academic journals such as History of Education Quarterly, Schools, and Teachers College Record. He is a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines, including The Chronicle of Higher Education, The New Republic, and The Washington Post. His work has been cited in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among other media outlets. 

Khalid and Snyder co-host a podcast and accompanying blog called Banished, which presents thought-provoking conversations on censorship, campus politics, and culture wars. They are currently writing a book, “Academic Freedom: What Everyone Needs To Know,” under contract with Oxford University Press.