What Can You Say on Campus at a Public University or College? Free Speech, The Constitution, and College Life (SUNY Virtual)

Constitution Day 2025

Wednesday, September 17, 2:00pm to 3:30pm (90 minutes) Eastern Time Zone

What Can You Say on Campus at a Public University or College?  Free Speech, The Constitution, and College Life

In addition to fulfilling their research and education mission, public colleges and universities have always had an important role in supporting American democracy. Central to achieving their vision is the open exchange of ideas through civic discourse. Please join us as we explore the civic mission of public higher education, the importance of nurturing students' civic discourse skills, and recent challenges to free speech and civic discourse on American campuses.

Join SUNY Civic Fellow for a moderated panel discussion followed by breakout sessions.

Panelists

• Kapil Longani, SUNY General Counsel
• Heidi Getchell-Bastien, J.D.  (Professor, Legal Studies and Government; Civic Engagement Coordinator, MassBay Community College, Wellesley, MA).  Professor Getchell-Bastien will describe the importance of civic discourse skills.
• Johann N. Neem (Editor, Journal of the Early Republic; Professor of History, Western Washington University).  Professor Neem will describe the broader civic role of higher education historically, as well as some challenges that role has faced recently from various sectors (students, faculty, legislators).
• Joseph Anthony, Assistant Professor of Political Science, SUNY Cortland.  Professor Anthony will describe importance of building civic discourse skills for learning, career readiness, and civic readiness.

Moderator:  Daniel Lake, Associate Professor, Political Science, SUNY Plattsburgh

Breakout Facilitators:

• John Suarez, SUNY Cortland;
• John Reif, Director of Civic Learning and Engagement, Academic Affairs and Student Success, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education;
• Daniel Lake, Associate Professor, Political Science, SUNY Plattsburgh
• Jill Murphy, SUNY Cortland

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