The Dean's Distinguished Speaker Series Presents: The American Attack on Academic Freedom in Comparative Perspective
Dean Daniel Abebe invites the Columbia Law School Community to join a special presentation by Professor Tom Ginsburg, Faculty Director, Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, University of Chicago. The event will feature a lecture, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Registration is required.
Lunch will be served.
Summary
Academic freedom is under threat in many countries, and the United States is no exception. The American framework for academic freedom has distinctive features, which have helped to create the most sophisticated system of research in the world along with countless discoveries. Yet our broad protections have not been sufficient to render us immune from the current set of attacks. The framework does not address the threats that come from civil society itself, which have emerged from both the left and right sides of the political spectrum in the US, and are also found in some other countries. To protect academic freedom in dangerous times, we ought to return to simple set of rules grounded in basic liberal values, along with a recommitment to professionalism as a guiding ethos.
About the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series
The Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series advances Columbia Law School’s commitments to free expression, academic excellence, and public engagement by convening conversations with leading voices from law, government, academia, business, private practice, and civil society. Hosted by Daniel Abebe, Dean and Lucy G. Moses Professor of Law, the series provides a marquee forum for the Columbia Law School community to gain valuable insight, explore novel ideas, and better understand law’s distinctive role in a rapidly changing world.
This event is open to all Columbia Law School faculty, students, staff, and invited guests. A valid confirmation email and CUID is required for entry.