In the last year, we have seen our democratic values significantly weakened by political polarization and misinformation. Institutions of higher education – traditionally viewed as havens for access to knowledge and reasoned debate – have faced challenges to academic and personal freedoms that have rippled across our democracy. From state legislation aimed at censoring curriculum to controversial Supreme Court decisions, our fifth annual #SpeechMatters conference will explore ways for campuses nationwide to protect our democratic freedoms.
Join leaders from higher education, politics, media and civil society as we build strategies to improve our democracy and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.
9am-12:30pm PT | 12pm-3:30pm ET
Thursday, March 23rd, 2023
Have a question for the speakers? Contact FreeSpeechCenter@uci.edu.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Opening Remarks
UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement Executive Director Michelle Deutchman and University of California President Michael V. Drake kick off the day with welcome remarks.
Is Social Media Helping or Harming Democracy?
Social media has been instrumental in creating a larger public forum and enabling new and systemically under-represented voices to enter the conversation. At the same time, it has allowed mis- and disinformation to spread at an alarming scale. In this panel, experts representing industry, faculty and advocacy groups consider the intersection of technology and expression, answering the essential question: is social media helping or harming democracy?
- Joan Donovan, Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
- Jessica González, Free Press & Free Press Action
- Moderator: Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, U.S. Center for SafeSport
Lightning Talk: What's on the Docket?
This term, the United States Supreme Court is hearing cases that will impact democracy: the expression rights of business owners, the role of state power in federal elections and the future of race in college admissions. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and board co-chair of the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement will highlight these critical cases and share how he thinks SCOTUS may rule.
Are Attacks on Academic Freedom a Threat to Democracy?
Recent history has shown us that lawmakers are willing to use their legislative powers to limit what can be taught in classrooms – but what effect are these restrictions having on our democracy overall? This panel considers the many facets of academic freedom from the perspectives of administrators, academics and practitioners.
- Lynn M. Gangone, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
- Monroe Gorden, UCLA
- Amna Khalid, Carleton College
- Jeff Snyder, Carleton College
Armchair Discussion: Democracy Demands Dialogue
Bridge USA CEO Manu Meel and Tania Israel, Professor of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, delve into the importance of having challenging conversations - despite the discomfort that can sometimes result.
Purpose of the Press: The Role of Student Media in Navigating Campus Speech Challenges
Join student editors and a freedom of press attorney in this discussion about the sometimes conflicting responsibilities of student press to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion and free expression. What is the campus newspaper’s role in responding to harmful speech that occurs in the community? How do journalists manage their roles as both students and reporters?
- Sommer Ingram Dean, Student Press Law Center
- Amitka Iyer, The Daily Nexus, UC Santa Barbara
- Moderator: Tamara Keith, National Public Radio
Lightning Talk: Looking Ahead
With the largest strike in the history of higher education barely in the rear view mirror and a presidential election right around the corner, what does the future of campus expression and engagement hold? Howard Gillman, chancellor of UC Irvine and co-chair of the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement Advisory Board, will share his predictions and how best to prepare.
Closing Remarks
Executive Director Michelle Deutchman wraps up the day's events with brief remarks.
Speakers

Erwin Chemerinsky
Dean
UC Berkeley School of Law

Sommer Ingram Dean
Staff Attorney
Student Press Law Center

Michelle Deutchman
Executive Director
UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

Joan Donovan
Research Director
Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy

Michael V. Drake
President
University of California

Lynn M. Gangone
President & CEO
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education

Howard Gillman
Chancellor
UC Irvine

Jessica González
Co-CEO
Free Press & Free Press Action

Monroe Gorden
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
UCLA

Jessica Herrera-Flanigan
Chair of the Board of Directors
U.S. Center for SafeSport

Tania Israel
Professor of Counseling Psychology
UC Santa Barbara

Atmika Iyer
Editor in Chief
The Daily Nexus (UC Santa Barbara)

Tamara Keith
White House Correspondent
National Public Radio

Amna Khalid
Associate Professor, Department of History
Carleton College

Manu Meel
Chief Executive Officer
BridgeUSA

Jeff Snyder
Associate Professor, Department of Educational Studies
Carleton College

Click below to see photos and videos from last year’s conference.