SpeechMatters

How can artificial intelligence be leveraged to strengthen democracy and empower citizens rather than serve purely corporate interests? In this episode, Nathan Sanders and Bruce Schneier, authors of Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship, explore AI’s evolving role in the democratic process and the importance of civic action in shaping the future of AI.
Resources:
Rewiring Democracy
genz_democracy_report_2025.pdf

From dynamic state voter ID requirements to campus polling access, the rules around student voting are constantly shifting. This webinar gives you the opportunity to engage directly with experts navigating today's student voting access landscape:
Brianna Cea, Executive Director, GenVote;
Peter McDonough, General Counsel, American Council on Education; and
Clarissa Unger, Executive Director, Students Learn Students Vote Coalition.
Resources:
Generation Vote
Access the Local Election Engagement Guide
https://www.acenet.edu/Documents/Student-voting-and-college-political-campaign-activities-issue-brief.pdf

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