SpeechMatters

Description:
From state legislative mandates to media narratives, viewpoint diversity has become a defining issue in higher education policy. Former Center fellow and assistant professor of educational administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Milad Mohebali and Heterodox Academy President John Tomasi join the podcast to explore how the term viewpoint diversity has become polarizing and whether we can find common ground on the value of engaging with differing perspectives to foster student learning and the collective pursuit of truth.
Resources:
Mohebali-Final-Report-08.03.2026-FINAL.pdf
Viewpoint Diversity: What It Is, Why We Need It, and How to Get It co-edited by John Tomasi & Bernard Schweizer – Heresy Press
Faculty Attitudes Toward Diversity in their Disciplines: A National Survey — Heterodox Academy
Heterodox Academy

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