Navigating Free Speech in Academia

This chapter examines the legal intricacies of free speech rights for professors in academic settings, focusing on a recent case and the standards used by the Sixth Circuit Court. It discusses the balance between institutional policies and academic freedom, particularly regarding personal views on sensitive topics like students' preferred pronouns. The chapter highlights the broader implications of classroom speech dynamics, especially concerning the emotional impact on marginalized students and the evolving interpretation of the First Amendment in higher education.