In 2017 I launched a research project aimed at better understanding views regarding the First Amendment on U.S. college and university campuses.

Like many people, I am concerned with recent challenges to on-campus freedom of expression. These trends are particularly problematic at public universities, which have First Amendment obligations.

Universities can only thrive if they are places where diversity of thought is encouraged and respected, and where ideas representing a range of viewpoints can be aired, debated, and evaluated on their merits.

By exploring how today’s college students view the First Amendment and the freedoms it confers, I am hoping to be able to contribute to the broader debate on this vitally important topic.