Forum | Opinion Submission
Opinion Submission: Free speech events on campus are just a stepping stone for action
Over 10,000 instances of book bans were recorded last school year. Campus protests related to war in the Middle East were disrupted by law enforcement throughout the country. Diversity, equity, and inclusion departments have been cut across several universities as state legislatures crack down on so-called “indoctrination.” The freedom to learn, free expression, and free speech have been consistently undermined, both quietly in sparsely-attended school board meetings and in front of the nation as protests were televised for all to see. WashU was not immune to conflict. At the beginning of last semester, the University seemingly tried to compensate with numerous free speech events.
As part of a PEN America program, I embarked on a journey, hoping to bolster students’ opinions and perspectives. On Nov. 15, I hosted the event “Friendsgiving Dinner: Free expression student panel” in Holmes Lounge, featuring a Thanksgiving-inspired dinner and panel discussion with six outspoken student leaders: Senior Amaya Daniels, senior Andrew de las Alas, junior Ashton Lee, senior Abby McGowan, Ella Scott, and junior Penelope Thaman. After dinner, the panel was tasked with answering three questions in just under an hour for an audience of about 40 people. They discussed topics ranging from political polarization to students’ satisfaction with the University’s handling of free speech. As Amaya Daniels highlighted, not everyone has the same capacity to participate in demonstrations. For low-income students or those living in WashU housing, demonstrations could jeopardize their ability to pay their tuition or even their shelter.
Penelope Thaman described firsthand what it was like for students to be evicted and the importance of community support for housing and moving. Andrew de las Alas also recounted the backlash he received from his involvement in the campus protests. Reflecting on the panel, he stated, “As a student arrested for protesting the ongoing Palestinian genocide, I was initially apprehensive to discuss the fundamental issues with this university’s free speech policies. Too often, discussions of free speech on campuses focus on the ‘marketplace of ideas’ and fail to engage the material realities of surveillance, suppression, and, in the case of Dr. Steve Tamari, University-sanctioned police violence. I was pleased to see that these realities were treated with the empathy they deserved during the panel and that we collectively called on all University stakeholders to imagine a better future. I hope this event spurs institutional power brokers [members of the WashU administration] to reflect on their policies and how they impact those whom free speech was never intended to benefit.”
The last question for the panel shifted the conversation and asked the panelists to explore solutions to foster an inclusive community on campus that upholds free speech during turbulent times. Panelists spotlighted the programs on campus that contributed to free expression and community building, including Dialogue Across Difference and the Gephardt Institute. The importance of events and spaces where students could be open to sharing was not understated. Abby McGowan said, “I look forward to seeing how WashU and its administrators will continue to foster an environment where free speech and dialogue are upheld as tenets of higher education. I hope that professors will continue to present disparate views, question the axioms constructed in their classrooms, and safeguard the privilege to debate the critical issues of today.” These events can also prove valuable for professors building connections and offer a unique glimpse into student attitudes. Lisa Gilbert — Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Educational Studies program — stated after attending the event, “As a faculty member who teaches discussion-based courses, I’m always looking for ways to help my students feel empowered to express their views. In this light, I’m grateful to the students who participated in the panel for sharing their experiences and perspectives about meaningful campus discourse. I know their ideas will be in my mind as I plan future classes and engage my students in dialogue around significant and difficult topics in my field.”
It’s important to keep in sight the purpose of these events. As students, we are here to learn not only from professors but from each other as well. Still, there must come a point where learning turns to action and we justify the energy and resources we consumed to get us here. These events lay the groundwork for further learning and eventual political action and should not end at mere academic postulating of problems and theoretical solutions, which has been a common criticism of higher education spaces for years. The panelists’ perspectives, informed by their activism, demonstrated that they are committed to putting their beliefs into action. After the panel, McGowan expressed enjoyment in taking part, saying, “It was an amazing opportunity, and the panelists were not only highly impressive students, but also excellent examples of the spirit the event aimed to foster. I was struck by how such different students were so composed, respectful, and curious whilst remaining committed to their own values and principles.”
Respectful dialogue will always have a place on college campuses. The conversations we have ignited through these events are only the beginning. As agents of social change, we must be wise about how we invest our time and energy, and hosting events like the one I put together has proven to be an effective way of cracking open questions that apply to our globe, our country, and our direct campus involvement in political controversy.