Balancing Campus Safety and Free Speech

In recent years, university campuses have become a battleground for the delicate balance between free speech, student safety, and rising concerns around extremism and antisemitism. This conversation explored how universities, law enforcement, and legal experts are navigating these intersecting issues in an increasingly complex climate.

As pro-Palestine protests and campus activism have surged, law enforcement faces the growing challenge of distinguishing between protected speech and acts of harassment or hate. At the same time, Jewish student organizations are confronting a disturbing rise in antisemitic incidents, while legal experts wrestle with the complexities of First Amendment protections alongside university policies.

On April 3rd, we brought together professionals from law enforcement, Jewish community organizations, and the legal field; moderated by Senior Research Fellow Jennifer Baker. They offered insights and strategies for navigating these challenges—ensuring that free expression is upheld while student safety remains paramount.

In a time when tensions are high and lines are often blurred, this discussion aimed to create space for critical dialogue and actionable solutions—where law, policy, and community intersect in the pursuit of understanding and safety.

Panelists:

• Ariel Katz:  Assistant General Counsel, Hillel International ([email protected])
• Mark Henderson: Secure Community Network Regional Security Advisor, Rochester (NY) Regional Security Initiative
• Kerri Reifel: Director of Safety and Security for Hillel International (kreifel@securecommunitynetwork.org or [email protected])

Additional resources:

On April 3, 2025, the Program on Extremism (PoE) at The George Washington University hosted an event titled “Balancing Campus Safety and Free Speech: Addressing Antisemitism, Extremism, and Law Enforcement Challenges”. The discussion included panelists Ariel Katz, Assistant General Counsel at Hillel International, Mark Henderson, Secure Community Network Regional Security Advisor and Rochester (NY) Regional Security Initiative, and Kerri Reifel, Director of Safety and Security at Hillel International, who joined Jennifer Baker, Senior Research Fellow at PoE. 

Henderson began the discussion by examining how the rise of pro-Palestine movements over the past two years has impacted campus security from a former law enforcement officer’s perspective. He highlighted the surge in protest activity following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023, emphasizing the risk of escalation and the challenges faced by smaller universities with limited resources. He also addressed the complexities police encounter in distinguishing between hate speech and free speech.

Reifel continued the conversation by highlighting the effects of these protests on Jewish students, drawing from her experience working with over 850 colleges. She described how demonstrations evolved from broad expressions of dissent to more targeted actions directly affecting Jewish students and organizations. She also outlined ongoing efforts to track and report campus hate incidents.

Katz provided legal insights on the distinction between hate speech and free speech. She explained that while offensive speech may be legally protected, direct threats and incitement to violence are not. She emphasized the role of the First Amendment and the need for universities to clearly define and consistently enforce their Codes of Conduct.

During the Q&A, panelists discussed recent Department of Education policy changes, the influence of social media on protests, and the extent of student involvement. Reifel noted that the scale and organization of campus demonstrations suggest external coordination, while Henderson pointed out that many arrested protesters were not students. The session concluded with discussions on faculty participation in protests and how universities can refine policies to support all students.