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 will explore 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 invite you to join a conversation that brings together professionals from law enforcement, Jewish community organizations, and the legal field; moderated by Senior Research Fellow Jennifer Baker. Together, they will offer 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 aims 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
• Mark Henderson: Secure Community Network Regional Security Advisor, Rochester (NY) Regional Security Initiative
• Kerri Reifel: Director of Safety and Security for Hillel International

Register Here!