On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti | Podcast Princeton's president on how the university is taking a stand
Sep 29, 2025
Christopher Eisgruber, President of Princeton University and legal scholar, tackles the challenges of free speech and academic freedom on campuses. He discusses the complexities of navigating political pressures as a university leader. Eisgruber reveals how Princeton re-evaluated its honorifics in light of societal demands, particularly after George Floyd's murder. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that encourages open debate, even amidst controversial topics. With insights on federal funding threats, he champions the necessity of protecting diverse viewpoints in academia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Wilson Sit-In And Naming Decision
- Christopher L. Eisgruber recounts the 2015 Black Justice League sit-in in his office demanding Woodrow Wilson's name be removed from campus buildings.
- He describes lengthy listening, formation of committees, historian input, and an initial decision to keep the name while later removing it in 2020 after reevaluation.
Everyday Campus Speech Matters
- Eisgruber argues most free-speech work happens daily in classrooms, research, and small panels rather than headline protests.
- He says universities facilitate thousands of routine, rigorous exchanges that embody free expression.
Start With Orientation And Deliberate Training
- Build orientation and training that expose students to competing views and model civil discussion from day one.
- Use published surveys, retreats, and PEN America sessions to foster respect and speech across differences.
