Congressional hearing explores freedom of speech crisis on college campuses

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a joint hearing on Tuesday to continue the conversation about freedom of speech on college campuses.

With the intention to better understand the climate on college campuses, propose solutions, and uphold the First Amendment, the committees invited experts who are “at the forefront of this debate.”

“There has been a trend of intolerance against those voicing unpopular ideas or speech being disagreeable or offensive, by some students and faculty at some colleges and institutions,” said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio. “This is occurring across the ideological spectrum and even at law schools.”

In opening statements by witnesses, there was widespread agreement on the increasing dangers accompanied with the suppression of speech that has alienated students, speakers, and faculty from being able to express opinions freely, without penalization by their respective schools.

Tyson Langhofer, senior counsel and director for the Center for Academic Freedom at the Alliance Defending Freedom, cited lawsuits that exemplify public universities violating the First Amendment with certain policies and restrictions.