Like most institutions of higher education, the University of Pennsylvania “affirms, supports and cherishes the concepts of freedom of thought, inquiry, speech, and lawful assembly” and “encourages freedom of inquiry, discourse, teaching, research, and publication.”

Yet, there is sharp disagreement about the meaning and practice of open expression and academic freedom at Penn and at other universities. What exactly do those concepts mean? What rights do they confer? What are their limits? To what extent are they threatened in the current political and social climate? How can the central function of a university—educating students and producing new knowledge—survive in the face of such threats?

Join two upcoming Faculty Senate Roundtables, when we will host a group of the nation’s leading scholars for a timely discussion followed by questions from the audience. Register at https://upenn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56VD5ffjrgrusZw.

Free Speech on Campus: Questions for Challenging Times
Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 4:30-6 p.m.
Fitts Auditorium, Penn Carey Law School

Are Academic Freedom and Open Expression Under Siege? Campus Unrest and the Future of the University
Thursday, April 18, 2024, 4-5:30 p.m.
Location TBA