LAW 481 - Academic Freedom, Free Speech, and the University

1

In recent years, numerous conflicts have erupted on university campuses over classroom speech, revocation of invitations to “controversial” outside speakers, student disruptions of scheduled speaker events, the extramural speech rights of faculty, limits on faculty research, and restrictions on faculty expert testimony. This one-credit course will examine the general principles of academic freedom applicable on university campuses, the relationship between academic freedom and the free speech rights of faculty and students, and the role of university leaders in supporting academic freedom and free speech on campus. Evaluation will be based on class participation and an end-of-course writing assignment.