The First Amendment & Public Universities

Join us for the latest edition of the Center for Higher and Adult Education speaker series!

“The First Amendment and Public Universities: Understanding the Law, Policy and Higher Education.”

The First Amendment has a long and important history within U.S. public universities. Protecting five basic freedoms (including freedom of speech), it ties directly to issues of academic freedom in higher education. As such, and in light of recent controversies, it is essential for faculty, staff and students to understand this important constitutional provision and its connection to policy and practice on college campuses.

In this session, Michael A. Lawrence, professor of law and Foster Swift Professor of Constitutional Law from the MSU College of Law, will discuss the First Amendment as it relates to public universities, highlighting individual rights, permissible limits and the unique aspects of the academy that make this protection so essential to our everyday operation.