Free Speech Matters: A Conference at the University of Washington

4069 Spokane Lane,Seattle WA 98195

12 May, 2023

Description

The University of Washington has been ranked the worst public university for free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).Informed by a survey of more than 44,000 college students across the country, as well as legal analysis done by FIRE itself, the 2022-2023 rankings place the UW 188th out of 203 schools assessed, the lowest rank for any public institution in the country. Among FIRE’s findings is that only 43% of UW students report that they “have rarely or never self-censored on campus.” Additionally, only 31% say “shouting down a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus is never acceptable.” These and other findings indicate a critically poor culture of free speech at UW. These things must change. Join us for Free Speech Matters, UW's first student-led mini-conference on free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse starting at 6pm on May 12th in the Walker-Ames Room at Kane Hall. Featuring a keynote speech by FIRE's Aaron Terr, interactive audience discussions about free speech on campus, faculty voices, and more to be announced soon. Admission is FREE. RSVP now! Check back soon for more details! Keynote Speaker Aaron TerrAaron Terr is the Director of Public Advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). He previously was a member of FIRE's Campus Rights Advocacy team. A native of Long Island, New York, Aaron graduated from Vassar College with a degree in biology in 2007. He went on to attend the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review. After earning his J.D. in 2012, Aaron worked as a judicial clerk and then as a staff attorney at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. A former volunteer for the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Aaron has a longstanding interest in free speech and civil liberties. Speaker Margaux GranathMargaux Granath graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with a B.A. in political science. Throughout her undergraduate career, Margaux served in student government and assisted in political science research on civil liberties violations, both roles which have informed her deep passion for free expression. Formerly a FIRE intern, Margaux works with the FIRE Student Network team as a Program Officer. Her work focuses on developing student talent to further protect student rights. In her spare time, Margaux enjoys watching elite gymnastics and playing killer sudoku. Additional speakers to be announced soon!