Addressing Free Speech and Student Activism on Campus

From climate change to the ongoing conflict in Gaza to the presidential election, young people in the United States are increasingly making sure their voices are heard regarding today’s pressing political issues and are demanding corrective action from those in power. In fact, according to the Higher Education Research Institute, nearly two out of five incoming college freshman protested at least once during their senior year of high school, and one out of five expect to protest while in college.

Many campus leaders are feeling the weight of heightened student activism. Intensifying demands for action from university leaders on pressing political issues have fueled discussions and tensions across institutions. There have been a growing number of incidents where protests have led to the occupation of campus buildings, encampments, student arrests and expulsions, and disruptions of official university events, such as convocations.

Given this evolving landscape, it is imperative for senior university leaders to take proactive measures in anticipation of aftereffects of the 2024 election and the likely ongoing wave of student activism. Below, EAB outlines five recommendations to assist university leaders in their preparation and post-election responses.

1. Understand the changing landscape of free speech policies in higher education

The recent uptick of student activism on college campuses has forced many institutions, often in the moment, to review and revise their free speech policies. An intense level of scrutiny from politicians, the media, and third parties, such as The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) combined with the disruptions caused by recent campus protests has resulted in institutions adding more nuance to their free speech policies, such as expanding on consequences for violating policies, banning indoor protests, and clarifying which policies take precedence over others.

To help leaders quickly get up to speed in a rapidly evolving environment, EAB has put together a Free Speech Policy Compendium containing 22 up-to-date free speech policies and six recent statements on free speech from four-year institutions across North America. These policies are equally representative of public and private institutions, with nearly half being updated within the past 12 months.