The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement will host a panel discussion on free speech later this month titled Crisis of Engagement: Why We Need More Speech on Campus.

Michael Ford

Details: 6 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Reeve Memorial Union ballroom

Featuring: Michael Ford, associate public administration professor, will moderate the discussion. Panelists will be Zach Greenburg from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, UWO communication studies professor Tony Palmeri and UWO journalism professor Sara Steffes Hansen.

Background: Following the UW System survey about student views on freedom of speech, several trends came to light, including that 70% of students say they are not interested in talking about controversial topics and only 12% of students are interested in having their views challenged.

Using the survey results as a starting point, the panel will discuss how to move forward to encourage students to use their right to free speech, learn how to engage in difficult (and sometimes controversial) conversations appropriately and become more involved on campus and in their communities as a result.

Learn more: UW Oshkosh Center for Civic and Community Engagement