SpeechMatters

From the swift ratification of the 26th Amendment to modern restrictions on campus polling places and student IDs, youth voting occupies a pivotal place in higher education. In this episode we explore the history of student voter engagement and discuss how administrators can navigate today’s regulatory friction leading up to the upcoming elections.
Resources:
Youth Voting Rights...
Give Them Ballots | AAC&U
A Detour for Democracy | AAC&U
The Struggle for Voting Rights at Colleges

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, we explore defining moments in US history through the lens of music. Drawing from On the Record: Music That Changed America by Anna Harwell Celenza, we discuss how artists and songs have shaped the nation’s culture, politics and democracy.
Episode Resources:
Book: On the Record: Music That Changed America
On the Record: Music that Changed America: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2fO9y7ZLGPdIaHYFfm0SN7?si=4c5f98e9fa634220&nd=1&dlsi=440283afdb384518
annacelenza.com

Having just completed his first year as president of the greatest public university, University of California President James B. Milliken joins the podcast to reflect on his decades-long career in higher education, the unique responsibilities of public universities and the state of free expression and academic freedom on today’s campuses.
Episode Resources:
UC president: Proposed research bond critical for scientific progress | Opinion
Science funding and immigration fuel America's innovation. They're at risk - Los Angeles Times
Substack Preserving the Pillars of Free Speech on Campus

Explore the impact of state legislation on academic freedom, shared governance, curriculum and expression with guest Laura Benitez, senior manager, state policy and government affairs for U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America.
Episode Resources:
PEN America Index of Educational Gag Orders and Higher Education Restrictions
Expanding the Web of Control: America’s Censored Campuses 2025
Snapshots of Censorship

In this month’s episode, we explore higher education governance — a topic that has drawn increasing attention and controversy in recent years. Drs. Demetri Morgan and Raquel Rall, co-directors of the Center for Strategic and Inclusive Governance, join us to discuss the role of governing boards and their impact on higher education’s ever-evolving landscape.
Episode Resources:
CSIG Resource Hub
New national center supports higher education governance | UCR News | UC Riverside
https://strategicinclusivegovernance.org/about-us/