Raleigh, NC—The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal has published a new paper in its “Blueprints for Reform” series, a growing set of policy recommendations for higher education decision makers. The latest paper, “Blueprint for Reform: Free Speech on Campus”, explains the importance of freedom of expression as it pertains to the mission of higher education and provides specific recommendations on how to protect it.
“Blueprint for Reform: Free Speech on Campus” also describes how freedom of speech has been threatened at both private and public institutions of higher learning over the past decade. Speech restrictions include limitations on personal social media expression for staff and students, punishments for “offensive” or “inappropriate” speech, and policies on tolerance, civility, bias, and “hate speech” that are often unfairly enforced.
Jenna A. Robinson, president of the Martin Center, said, “Free expression lays the groundwork for all the important discussions, discoveries, and innovations that should be happening on college campuses. These policy reforms will make it easier for universities to protect and encourage freedom of thought and speech on campus.”
The second half of the paper provides specific steps for administrators, university board members, legislators, and other policy makers who want to promote and protect free speech at higher education institutions. The document also links to model policies and model legislation.
New policy reform recommendations on different topics will be released by the Martin Center regularly.