Colleges and universities play a vital role in encouraging a robust discussion of ideas. But what happens when one person’s protected expression is considered harassment to another person on campus? From controversial external speakers to student activism, institutions are called upon to navigate a complex legal space. They must balance principles of free expression with appropriate responses to bias incidents that can interfere with student learning and potentially undermine institutional values.  

This webinar will address the legal landscape in this area as well as delve into practical considerations when addressing individual incidents. It will address:

• The 6^th Circuit’s decision in Speech First v. University of Michigan, Executive Orders on free speech and anti-Semitism, and regulatory activity by the Department of Education
• Bias Response Teams: how they work, what they aim to do, and how institutions can use them effectively
• Incident response protocol, including tips for equipping campus stakeholders with appropriate language and training for responding to incidents as they arise
• Strategies to empower students to use their own voices to combat offensive speech
• Tips for developing a strong institutional policy

Who Should Attend

This webinar will be of interest to in-house and outside counsel to colleges and universities, as well as administrators in the Office of the Provost, Diversity/EEO Office, Student Affairs Administrators, and others with responsibilities related to the diversity and inclusion programs and policies on campus.