WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders in Washington are debating the right to free speech on college campuses, and the role higher education institutions are playing in protecting or infringing on that right.
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Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle argue free speech is being jeopardized at school and college campuses, but they disagree over the cause and how to fix it.
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Republicans argue colleges are stifling conservative viewpoints by limiting guest speakers. Meanwhile, Democrats point to Republican-led states passing laws that restrict what can be taught in the classroom.
The GOP points to schools shutting down conservative guests. At Stanford University last month, protesting students stopped an appeals court judge from being able to speak by shouting over him. A school administrator allegedly supported the students in their protest.
Stanford University student Josiah Joner testified before a House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing about that event, arguing that colleges should encourage diverse thoughts from different speakers.
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“The incident demonstrates a disturbing trend in colleges.” Joner testified. “The hiring of administrators who are not committed to principles of free speech, or even the university’s own policies regarding free speech.”
However, Democrats on the committee say new GOP laws on what can be taught in classrooms are the real threats to free speech.
For example, they point to laws passed in Florida, Mississippi and South Dakota that restrict how teachers can talk about racial justice.
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“Republican politicians are weaponizing the first amendment to turn the clock back on our higher education system, defend only conservative speech, and undermine support for students most in need,” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) said.
Lawmakers also discussed calls to better protect college faculty members who say they have faced harassment and threats over their views on controversial speakers on campuses.
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