South Middlesex Times

Academic freedom and freedom of expression are essential components of a university's mission to promote critical inquiry and advance knowledge. However, the definitions of these concepts are often misunderstood, and they can sometimes be at odds with each other.

A panel of experts from Rutgers University will lead a webinar on Thursday, February 6, to discuss the fundamentals of academic freedom, examine situations where it conflicts with freedom of expression, and review recent government actions that could affect universities. The event is sponsored by the University Senate in collaboration with President Jonathan Holloway, who will deliver opening remarks. Rutgers faculty and staff can register for the noon webinar.

The panel includes University Professor Barbara Lee, known for her expertise in higher education law; Professor Carlos Gonzales, a constitutional law specialist; and Associate Professor Brandon Paradise, an expert in First Amendment law.

Lee will clarify the distinction between academic freedom and free speech while discussing the limitations of academic freedom compared to free speech protections. “Academic freedom is not well understood, even by faculty and administrators, and the general public has even less of an understanding of why academic freedom is important,” Lee said.

The discussion will also cover state-level and federal initiatives to regulate higher education. This includes laws that limit certain teaching or research topics and efforts to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Paradise will address state-level measures across the United States aimed at restricting how race and gender are taught in public university classrooms. He noted a shift towards eliminating diversity initiatives: “As states continue to push and defend legislation targeting DEI programs and classroom teaching, it is critical to stay informed about these developments and their implications for public higher education,” Paradise said.

Gonzalez will provide insights into federal attempts to influence higher education policies. “We will look at the potential legal levers of power used to seek to impose upon universities' policies that could burden academic freedom and/or the free speech rights of scholars and instructors,” Gonzalez said.