Conversations with Peter Boghossian GUARDRAILS for Campus Speech? w/ Dr. Patrick Gray
May 28, 2025
Dr. Patrick Gray, Dean of the Center for Arts and Letters at UATX, passionately discusses the complexities of free speech on college campuses. He believes that while students should engage with diverse ideas, there must be guardrails to ensure respectful dialogue. Gray critiques the push for unrestricted expression, advocating instead for a civil framework that promotes intellectual growth. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of branding in politics, the importance of inviting diverse speakers, and the need for universities to be mission-driven in fostering meaningful discourse.
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Free Speech Not a Fix for Universities
- Free speech alone cannot fix universities because universities differ fundamentally from states.
- Universities are voluntary associations with hierarchies, requiring different governance than states do.
Encourage Diverse Classroom Debate
- Professors should encourage students to consider multiple sides in classroom debates.
- Inviting guest speakers with opposing views enriches intellectual growth.
Inviting Opposing Views in Classes
- Peter Boghossian invited opposing views, like Christian apologists, into his classes.
- This approach sparked robust discussion despite criticism from colleagues.
