Host: Jim Falk Guests: Jeremi Suri, a frequent guest on the program, who usually comes to us from Austin where he is a professor of history at the University of Texas. Dr Suri is the author and editor of eleven books on politics and foreign policy and he is the host of a weekly podcast, ?This is Democracy.? Jeremi witnessed firsthand the protests and arrests which took place on the UT campus. Also, joining us is Paul Watler, an attorney and partner with Jackson Walker. He is a nationally recognized expert in First Amendment law. His law degree is from the University of Texas. The campus protests over the war in Gaza are testing our institutions of higher learning as they have not been since probably the Vietnam War. While universities are justified in expecting that the protests remain within certain norms, we should not lose sight of the fact that the First Amendment is an essential foundation of our democracy which gives citizens great freedom and latitude to express our views But as we discussed today it also expects of us certain responsibilities which we may find to be uncomfortable including that we be receptive, even tolerate, opinions that run counter to our beliefs and may even be abhorrent. Being a college or university president was once considered a high-profile, rewarding position-the pinnacle of one?s career. No Longer. Following their Congressional testimony about the rise of antisemitism on their campuses, the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard were forced out. In response to encampments on the grounds on over 130 campuses, we?ve seen commencements cancelled or modified all over the country. Guest speakers were disinvited, buildings were occupied, and sometimes vandalized. Reportedly, 2,700 protesters, mostly students, were arrested, suspended and, there have also been reports of faculty who expressed pro-Palestinian views not having their contracts renewed. In defense of their right to protest, (1940 State of Principles on Academic Freedom and Tenure drafted by the American Association of University Professors. ?entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:26:17