SXSW EDU 2025

Academic Freedom Under Fire: Professors Speak Out

Description:

Politicians have labeled them "enemies" and "looney Marxists," while legal battles rage over what they can and cannot say in the classroom. We hear about professors caught in the crossfire of today's culture wars but what is it really like on the ground? This panel brings together educators from across the nation to share their firsthand experiences navigating the treacherous waters of academic freedom. Our diverse panel offers an unfiltered look at the personal and professional toll of this ongoing battle. Join us for a candid exploration of life on the front lines of higher eduction.


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Takeaways

  1. Understand the varied impacts of academic freedom debates across disciplines and institutions, from curriculum changes to self-censorship concerns.
  2. Explore the personal impact on professors as they navigate the stress of public scrutiny, political pressures, and maintaining academic integrity.
  3. Explore the long-term implications of current academic freedom battles on higher education, including effects on research, student learning, and facul

Speakers


Organizer

Corinne Weisgerber, Associate Professor of Communication, Concordia University


Meta Information:

  • Tags: administration, social justice
  • Event: EDU
  • Format: Panel
  • Track: Policy & Advocacy
  • Session Focus Area Higher Education
  • Level: Field Experience


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