Free Speech Teach-In Series, Fall 2025  

The Philosophy Department, the CSUS Council for Academic Freedom, the Center for Practical and Professional Ethics, the Heterodox Academy hosts a series of public discussions for the campus community:

We’re facing a free speech crisis in America on a number of fronts.  This teach-in discussion series is intended to educate about the basic philosophical arguments and issues surrounding free speech, and to promote open, constructive, civil dialogue about free speech, and on the topics that are dividing us.  

1:  Free speech on Campus, Charlie Kirk, and Violence 

What are our First Amendment rights?  When and how can free speech be curtailed?  

What should be the role of free speech on campus?

What role should disagreement play in our education?

Ideally, how should we facilitate those discussions on campus and in the classroom?  

Is violence ever acceptable?  Shouting down and deplatforming?

What can we do about students self-censoring around other students and in the classroom?  

Hosted and moderated by Prof. Matt McCormick, Philosophy, Co-chair of CSUS Council for Academic Freedom

Prof. Christina Bellon, Philosophy, Former Associate Dean and Interim Dean, College of Arts and Letters

Thursday, Sept. 25 at 4:30 in Mendocino 1003.  Everyone in the campus community is welcome.  

2:  Free Speech and the Government

Under what circumstances can the government limit free speech?  

What role can the government play in shaping the public discourse? 

What regulatory role can it play with businesses, public information, and science? 

Hosted and moderated by Prof. Kyle Swan, Philosophy, Co-chair of CSUS Council for Academic Freedom.  Prof. Matt McCormick

Thursday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 in Mendocino 1003.  Everyone in the campus community is welcome.  

3:  Free Speech and the Social Media

How is social media affecting the free exchange of ideas?  

How is it conducive to free speech?  What about TikTok, Algorithms, and Radicalization?  Is there a role for cancellations?  

Hosted and moderated by Prof. Matt McCormick, Philosophy, Co-Chair of CSUS Council for Academic Freedom.  

Thursday, Nov. 20 at 4:30 in Mendocino 1003.  Everyone in the campus community is welcome.