UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

How does has a lack of trust and a scarcity or resources led to the current issues facing higher ed? Consider this question and more in this opinion from :

Can we rebuild trust in higher ed? There is no such thing as “higher education” writ large anymore. It’s now about moving forward in an age of scarcity.

How does 's outgoing Chancellor think about free speech in the current moment: "Just because you have the right to say something doesn’t mean it’s right to say." Read more:

U.C. Berkeley’s Leader, a Free Speech Champion, Has Advice for Today’s Students: Tone It Down “Just because you have the right to say something doesn’t mean it’s right to say,” said Carol Christ, who is retiring as chancellor at the end of this month.

Check out this article from former Fellow and quiz yourself! Can you name the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment?

Pop quiz: My UCSC students understand free speech — do you? UC Santa Cruz lecturer Ryan Coonerty has spent the year teaching on newsy topics, including antisemitism and free speech. Coonerty, a former Santa Cruz mayor and member of the county board of supervisors, says he’s buoyed by his students’ attitudes and aptitude. He also offers his final exam. Co...

OUT NOW: Check out the episode four of season three of the podcast: In Defense of Truth: Technology and Democracy in the Age of AI

Last season, as generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots dominated the national headlines, we explored the impact of new technologies on teaching, research and learning at colleges and universities. This year, we return to the topic of AI, with a focus on how the technology is affecting our election and information systems. Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause, joins us to discuss election protection, including the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), Common Cause’s newest effort to fight technology based-threats to democracy.

Listen on or at the link below: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

Congratulations! The Center is excited to announce the selection of our newest class of fellows. Over the course of the next year, these Fellows will conduct research related to dialogue, civic engagement, free expression and diversity.

ICYMI: Check out the recording of 2024: Politics, Polarization and Perils on Campus available now: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters2024/

OUT NOW: Check out the episode four of season three of the podcast: “Politics at the Expense of Students”: The Impact of Dismantling DEI.

Paulette Granberry Russell, president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), discusses the wide and deep impacts that ongoing legislative attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, officers and trainings have on higher education.

Listen on or at the link below: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

Folks: ONE MONTH LEFT TO APPLY FOR VOICE

The Center is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 class of VOICE awardees.

VOICE provides funding for UC students, staff, and faculty who are interested in conducting research or coordinating programs that further the Center’s mission of exploring the intersection of expression, engagement and democratic learning and considering what can be done to restore trust in the value of free speech on college campuses and within society at large. For more information on the VOICE Initiative and past projects: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/voice-initiative/

Apply for funding now: https://freespeechcenter.submittable.com/submit/290796/2024-2025-valuing-open-and-inclusive-conversation-and-engagement-voice-initiati

We want to express our deepest gratitude to all the attendees and speakers who made " 2024: Politics, Polarization and Perils on Campus" such a success! Recordings of the expert panels will be posted on the Center website and YouTube for your viewing pleasure soon.

ALERT 🚨 ONE DAY LEFT TO REGISTER FOR ! Join us tomorrow from 8:30am-12:30pm PT / 11:30am-3:30pm ET. Register today! Check out more info on speakers and panels:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters2024/

REMINDER 🔔 We are just TWO WEEKS away from our 6th annual conference happening virtually on Thursday April 18, 2024 from 8:30am-12:30pm PT / 11:30am-3:30pm ET. Register today!

With campus expression issues splashed across the front page and debated in Congressional hearings, higher education has become increasingly embroiled in our nation’s polarized politics and discourse. The perils of this moment — from safeguarding speech and Title VI accountability to the targeted harassment of academics — are only compounded in an election year.

“Politics, Polarization and Perils on Campus” will delve into these subjects and explore current challenges and opportunities for learning, activism and engagement. Join legal experts, journalists and college and university leaders for a lively and dynamic half day of discussion.

https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters2024/

OUT NOW: New episode of podcast: “Divisive Concepts” and the Role of History Education in Democracy.

Jim Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association (AHA) joins the podcast to discuss how “divisive concepts” legislation creates challenges for the teaching and learning of history that compromise democratic values and institutions. Throughout the conversation, Grossman points to the vital role that facts, critical thinking and source credibility play in maintaining an informed and engaged public.

Listen on or at the link below: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

Folks: The Center is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 class of VOICE awardees.

VOICE provides funding for UC students, staff, and faculty who are interested in conducting research or coordinating programs that further the Center’s mission of exploring the intersection of expression, engagement and democratic learning and considering what can be done to restore trust in the value of free speech on college campuses and within society at large. For more information on the VOICE Initiative and past projects: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/voice-initiative/

Apply for funding now: https://freespeechcenter.submittable.com/submit/290796/2024-2025-valuing-open-and-inclusive-conversation-and-engagement-voice-initiati

The latest "Ask the Experts" is here! 📢

We asked four experts: "In honor of Civic Learning Week, how can institutions of higher education better implement civic learning into their curriculums & campuses to ensure we are educating a new generation of civic leaders who trust & actively participate in our democracy?"

Get their answers here: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/resource-materials/ask-the-experts/civic-learning-week/

REMINDER ONE WEEK LEFT 🔔 The Center is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 class of Fellows until Friday, March 15th at midnight.

Each year, the Center selects Fellows from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds such as law, journalism, higher education, social science, technology and government. Work products can take many forms such as (but not limited to) qualitative/quantitative research, curricular modules, toolkits or training programs/pilots. As a Center Fellow, you will be welcomed into a community of practitioners, educators and students who share the common purpose of advancing the mission of the Center. Incoming Fellows are connected with former Fellows and become part of a larger UC-wide and national network of scholars, educators, practitioners and activists.

For more information on the fellowship program: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/fellows/fellows/

REMINDER 🔔 The Center is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 class of Fellows until Friday, March 15th at midnight.

Each year, the Center selects Fellows from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds such as law, journalism, higher education, social science, technology and government. Work products can take many forms such as (but not limited to) qualitative/quantitative research, curricular modules, toolkits or training programs/pilots. As a Center Fellow, you will be welcomed into a community of practitioners, educators and students who share the common purpose of advancing the mission of the Center. Incoming Fellows are connected with former Fellows and become part of a larger UC-wide and national network of scholars, educators, practitioners and activists.

For more information on the fellowship program and past fellows projects: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/fellows/fellows/

OUT NOW: Check out the first episode of season 3 of the podcast, “Realizing the Democracy We Want: Student Voting and Civic Engagement
”
What is the state of youth voting among college students as we barrel toward the November presidential election? Today’s guests, Jennifer Domagal-Goldman from ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, and UC Berkeley undergraduate student, Alex Edgar, discuss successful strategies to increase youth participation in local, state and federal elections in 2024. Listen in for tangible tips on actions you can take now to engage the young people in your life and on your campus.

Listen on or at the link below: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

REGISTER NOW for our 6th annual conference will be happening virtually on Thursday April 18, 2024 from 8:30am-12:30pm PT / 11:30am-3:30pm ET.

With campus expression issues splashed across the front page and debated in Congressional hearings, higher education has become increasingly embroiled in our nation’s polarized politics and discourse. The perils of this moment — from safeguarding speech and Title VI accountability to the targeted harassment of academics — are only compounded in an election year.

Our sixth annual conference will be held virtually from 8:30am-12:30pm PT / 11:30am-3:30pm ET on Thursday, April 18, 2024. “Politics, Polarization and Perils on Campus” will delve into these subjects and explore current challenges and opportunities for learning, activism and engagement. Join legal experts, journalists and college and university leaders for a lively and dynamic half day of discussion.

https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters2024/

We are pleased to share our 2023 annual report and invite you to join us as we carry our mission foward into the new year.

2023 showcased the profound need for education and engagement about the First Amendment, expression and academic freedom. No matter the medium, the Center brought its unique perspective – encouraging inquiry, emphasizing nuance and fostering an environment where dialogue and disagreement are foundational.

Read the report here:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/about/2023-annual-report/

OUT NOW: Check out Season 2 Episode 11 of podcast, “When Speech Causes Stress: Supporting Campus Constituents”

People do not seem to agree on much right now; however, there does seem to be consensus that this is a challenging and painful time on college campuses. This month’s guests, Dr. Katya Armistead, assistant vice chancellor and dean of students for UC Santa Barbara and Dr. Genie Kim, director of student mental health and wellbeing at the UC Office of the President, discuss the hard work of providing support to the campus community when ugly speech rears its head.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

Mark your calendars for the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement’s sixth annual virtual conference.

It's a critical time for expression and engagement on campus. Join us for a dynamic half-day virtual conversation about challenges and opportunities ahead with leaders from higher education, politics, media and civil society.

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 8:30am-12:30pm PT / 11:30am-3:30pm ET.

More information coming soon:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/speechmatters/

In the wake of the Hamas-Israel war, colleges and universities are grappling with if and how to use their institutional voices as well as the impact of their responses on campus communities. Whether speaking up or remaining silent, leaders have been met with criticism. Join a panel of experts as they weigh the benefits and challenges of using institutional speech in today’s polarized environment.

WHEN: Thursday December 7, 2023 at 11am PT / 2pm ET

Register now: https://uci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L9KpH31vToeM68PVAY4xhQ #/registration

OUT NOW: Check out Season 2 Episode 10 of podcast, “Indictments, Incitement and (Artificial) Intelligence”

Join the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) director of the Speech, Privacy and Technology Project, Ben Wizner, for a conversation about former President Trump’s use of the First Amendment as a legal defense, whether his speech on January 6th meets the Supreme Court’s test for incitement and how AI might impact the democratic process.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

2023 VOICE Reports are Released: UC Students, Staff & Faculty use the Center's VOICE Initiative to Create Courses, Art & to Get out the Vote!

Projects focused specifically on creating & strengthening opportunities for students, staff & faculty to impact their campus communities.

Learn more about their projects: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/2023-voice-recipients/

OUT NOW: Check out Season 2 Episode 9 of podcast, “‘Wake up Everybody’: President Drake on Speaking Up, Medicine and Music”

As the academic year begins and students return to campuses, we are looking forward to another year of expression and engagement. This month we are honored to have UC President Michael V. Drake join the podcast to discuss a time when he spoke up in the face of racism, how UC uses its voice to further its motto of Fiat Lux as well as to share some song picks with us.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

OUT NOW: Check out Season 2 Episode 8 of podcast, “A Student Affairs Administrator and a Police Officer Walk into a Bar…”

Two former fellows, Dr. Alice Yau, a Sergeant with the Chicago Police Department and Dr. Jill Dunlap, Senior Director for Research, Policy, and Civic Engagement at NASPA join us this month to discuss their research and curriculum related to speech, campus law enforcement and student affairs administrators. Together, with host Michelle Deutchman, learn how this dynamic duo paired up to address protest and free speech policies on campus.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

ONE WEEK LEFT!

Reminder: there is one week left to get your applications in for “Advancing the Mission of Higher Education in Polarized Times,” a 1 & ½ day in-person institute presented by the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement and the Lumina Foundation.

No matter your role within a college or university we all must contend with external forces endeavoring to influence the direction of the institution. These pressures include legislative efforts to undermine academic freedom and the protections that tenure provides, advocacy groups wielding the threat of a lawsuit, and donors who use financial incentives to exert control. These factors often result in a chilling effect on expression and dialogue, which is just beginning to be documented, and the ability to teach and learn in a productive environment.
This institute will bring together legal counsels, faculty members, and administrators from a variety of institutions to explore strategies for working together to advance the mission of higher education in nationally and locally politically polarized environments. We are interested in representatives from a wide variety of institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), regional colleges, community colleges, and large public institutions.

Learn more:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/advancing-the-mission-of-higher-education-in-a-polarized-environment/

Apply now:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/advancing-the-mission-of-higher-education-in-a-polarized-environment

OUT NOW: Check out Season 2 Episode 7 of podcast, “Courting Controversy: Upcoming Cases on Campus Speech.”

In this month’s SpeechMatters episode, former fellow and UC Davis Law Professor Brian Soucek dives into what’s happening in the lower courts when it comes to campus speech. Brian and Michelle talk diversity statements and the recent lawsuit against UC Santa Cruz, bias response teams and Speech First’s targeted lawsuits against them, and the potential impact of the decision in 303 Creative.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/

We couldn’t be happier to announce our newest cohort of VOICE award recipients!

In the last year, we have seen our democratic values significantly weakened by political polarization, misinformation and hate crimes. In light of this, the 2024 VOICE Initiative focuses on the theme of “Protecting our Democratic Freedoms.” VOICE projects focus on creating and strengthening opportunities for students, staff and faculty to impact their UC campus communities.

Learn more about their projects here:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/2024-voice-recipients/

OUT NOW: New Podcast Episode!

The latest generative AI technologies have dominated the headlines these last few months raising questions about how ChatGPT will change teaching, research and learning at colleges and universities, as well as in society at large. In this episode, we explore AI’s impacts – both big and small – with nationally recognized technology policy expert and Director of UNC at Chapel Hill’s Center on Technology Policy Matt Perault.

Listen on or at the link below:
https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/speechmatters-podcast/