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The Ongoing Challenge of Free Speech on College Campuses

As the latest cohort of undergraduates from the University of Chicago prepares to navigate a world beyond their academic experience, they are reminded of the unique messaging that greeted them at the start of their college journey. In a letter from the dean of students issued in 2016, the administration took a bold stance against trigger warnings and safe spaces, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression. It was a call for students to engage with discomfort and dissent as part of their educational experience.

The dean’s pronouncement elicited a mixed response, highlighting a broader national discourse. Many educators across the country might have felt envious of the University of Chicago’s unequivocal commitment to open dialogue. In the wake of this declaration, several institutions, including Princeton, Georgetown, and Arizona State University, aligned their policies with the principles outlined in a key document known as the Chicago Statement. This statement advocates for fostering environments that encourage healthy debate and the expression of differing viewpoints.

While these initiatives strive to promote free and open discourse, the underlying issues persist: the tendency to silence certain viewpoints through disinviting speakers or creating hostile environments for divergent ideas raises concerns about the state of free thought in academia and its broader implications for democracy. With the rising question of how to balance equality with free expression, it becomes crucial to address how marginalized voices can be uplifted in discussions that feel divisive.

As colleges anticipate a fall semester transformed by health and safety protocols due to COVID-19, the challenge of upholding principles of free speech while fostering civil discourse is more pressing than ever. Sensitive subjects—ranging from ethical behavior to the systemic inequalities underscored by the Black Lives Matter movement—demand a thoughtful approach that respects inclusion without stifling critical debate.

To promote a culture of civil discourse, it is imperative that college leaders and faculty take the initiative. Their example in embracing complex conversations and championing diverse viewpoints will encourage students to participate actively and respectfully. Evidence from the Gallup-Knight 2020 First Amendment on Campus report indicates that a substantial majority of students (81 percent) yearn for a learning environment where all forms of speech, including those deemed controversial, are present. However, an equally high percentage (78 percent) is concerned about inclusivity and supports safe spaces that protect individuals from harmful rhetoric.

Instructors at Tulane University, for example, introduce students to perspectives on disagreement through readings like “The Dying Art of Disagreement” by journalist Bret Stephens, a University of Chicago alumnus who often stirs debate with his viewpoints. This approach lays the groundwork for a classroom environment where diverse perspectives can be safely expressed and critically examined. Yet, the complexities of real-world conversations often lead to discussions that become personal or politically charged, hindering true intellectual engagement.

There are notable examples of institutions working to enhance civil discourse. The University of California, birthplace of the iconic Free Speech Movement in the 1960s, established the Washington, D.C.-based National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement to advance free speech principles. UC San Diego instituted a program requiring student organization leaders to engage in workshops designed to cultivate respectful dialogue and adept conflict resolution. This mirrors the ethos captured in UC San Diego’s Principles of Community, which underscores the importance of expression coupled with courtesy and respect. American University’s Project on Civil Discourse similarly promotes responsible communication among students.

Reflecting on the mission of higher education, former University of Chicago President Hanna Holborn Gray emphasized that universities should foster an environment where rigorous thought and strong disagreements can thrive under the freedom of expression. The overarching challenge lies in ensuring that all community members are afforded this freedom, with particular vigilance towards voices that may be less represented. In times fraught with social turmoil, upholding democratic civility becomes imperative, ensuring that dialogue remains constructive and inclusive.

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