The chapter discusses the presence of free speech as well as threats to free speech on college campuses, including disinvited speakers and speech codes. It delves into the challenges of ideological diversity and the impact of labeling individuals in political debates. The conversation also explores the intersection of free speech with addressing discriminatory behaviors like racism, highlighting differing views on controversial topics such as affirmative action.
Tensions have been ramping up at universities across the country as students continue to protest the war in Gaza. Reports of antisemitism, islamophobia, and harassment have led to concerns that some students have crossed a line into hateful and threatening speech that requires intervention. Others contend that efforts to clamp down on protests in the name of campus safety suppresses free speech. Within that context, we revisit this debate on adjacent issues from a few years back to see what lessons that can be applied to the current situation: Is Free Speech Threatened on Campus?
Arguing Yes: John McWhorter, Linguist and Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University; Wendy Kaminer, Writer and Lawyer
Arguing No: Shaun Harper, Founder and Executive Director of the USC Race and Equity Center; Jason Stanley, Professor of Philosophy at Yale University
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates
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