2024-10-15
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Study Abroad
States Censor College Classroom Speech Through New Legislation
Understanding Censorship Trends in Higher Education
States Censor College Classroom Speech Through New Legislation
A new report by Pen America highlights a concerning trend of states passing legislation that directly censors speech in college classrooms. These laws, which the report describes as "some of the most pernicious assaults on educational speech" ever encountered, aim to restrict the topics that professors can discuss and the viewpoints they can express.
The report notes a shift in tactics used by lawmakers to censor classroom speech. Previously, bills focused on outright banning the teaching of certain topics, such as critical race theory. However, in 2024, lawmakers have adopted a more subtle approach, disguising their intentions through euphemism and misdirection.
One tactic used by lawmakers is to tack censorial legislation onto bills with popular goals. For example, a bill passed in Indiana this year ties faculty tenure to whether they promote viewpoint diversity. While this language may seem innocuous at first glance, it could actually stifle faculty speech by forcing them to avoid discussing controversial topics.
Another tactic is to weaken academic freedom rather than directly censor speech. Bills that mandate colleges remain neutral on social or political issues are one example of this approach. These bills often use broad language that can be interpreted in different ways, making it difficult for faculty to know what is and is not allowed.
Finally, lawmakers are using their political positions to bully or intimidate colleges into adopting policies that censor classroom instruction or weaken academic freedom. This tactic has been used in North Carolina, where the state's governing board implemented a policy banning DEI offices and positions.
These laws are a serious threat to academic freedom and the ability of professors to teach their students effectively. The report calls on policymakers to stop passing legislation that restricts classroom speech and to support policies that protect academic freedom.
The report notes a shift in tactics used by lawmakers to censor classroom speech. Previously, bills focused on outright banning the teaching of certain topics, such as critical race theory. However, in 2024, lawmakers have adopted a more subtle approach, disguising their intentions through euphemism and misdirection.
One tactic used by lawmakers is to tack censorial legislation onto bills with popular goals. For example, a bill passed in Indiana this year ties faculty tenure to whether they promote viewpoint diversity. While this language may seem innocuous at first glance, it could actually stifle faculty speech by forcing them to avoid discussing controversial topics.
Another tactic is to weaken academic freedom rather than directly censor speech. Bills that mandate colleges remain neutral on social or political issues are one example of this approach. These bills often use broad language that can be interpreted in different ways, making it difficult for faculty to know what is and is not allowed.
Finally, lawmakers are using their political positions to bully or intimidate colleges into adopting policies that censor classroom instruction or weaken academic freedom. This tactic has been used in North Carolina, where the state's governing board implemented a policy banning DEI offices and positions.
These laws are a serious threat to academic freedom and the ability of professors to teach their students effectively. The report calls on policymakers to stop passing legislation that restricts classroom speech and to support policies that protect academic freedom.
