Free Speech & Title VI Training Symposium

Campus expression has become one of the defining challenges facing higher education. Protest encampments, issues with invited speakers, social
media activity, classroom discussions, political conversations, and student organization disputes, and changing compliance expectations are increasing stressors on institutions to make decisions that balance campus policy, legal obligations, campus safety, academic freedom and freedom of expression, and commitments to equity.

This full-day session provides an examination of the First Amendment principles that shape institutional decision-making. Participants will explore the legal framework governing free speech and free association in higher education, examine how constitutional protections intersect with institutional policies and civil rights obligations, and discuss the practical realities of responding to today’s most challenging campus expression issues.

Using realistic case studies and facilitated small-group exercises, participants will be provided with a framework to apply as they work through the types of high-pressure situations that rarely have simple answers. Together, we will analyze protest activity, offensive speech, demonstrations, controversial speakers, online expression, organizational recognition issues, and other timely topics while considering how campus leaders can respond in ways that are legally defensible, operationally sound, and aligned with institutional values.

Whether developing campus policies, advising senior leadership, responding to rapidly emerging incidents, or preparing to be tested when disputes arise and complaints are received, participants will leave with practical frameworks and applicable strategies for strengthening campus readiness and promoting informed, coordinated responses to issues involving free expression.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the foundational First Amendment principles governing free speech and free association in higher education and distinguish protected expression
  from conduct that institutions may regulate.
• Evaluate campus expression issues—including protests, demonstrations, social media activity, invited speakers, and organizational activities—using
  constitutional principles and institutional policy frameworks.
• Understand appropriate time, place, and manner restrictions while balancing First Amendment obligations, institutional operations, campus safety, and
  community access.
• Analyze the intersection of free expression with civil rights, Title VI, Title IX, and institutional values.
• Develop sound response strategies, including communication approaches and cross-functional coordination, to strengthen campus preparedness for
  emerging expression challenges.

The day 2 full-day session focuses on the practical application of Title VI in today’s higher education environment. As colleges and universities continue
to navigate increasingly complex issues involving discrimination, harassment, shared ancestry, campus protests, and protected expression, Title VI compliance
has become a high-priority component of institutional governance and risk management. Campus leaders are expected to respond promptly, equitably, and
consistently while balancing civil rights obligations, constitutional considerations, institutional values, and evolving federal—and at times, competing state—
requirements.

Participants will examine emerging Title VI issues affecting colleges and universities while exploring effective approaches to complaint assessment,
coordinated response planning, investigations, policy implementation, documentation, and organizational risk mitigation. Through discussion of current federal guidance, recent developments, and real-world campus scenarios, attendees will strengthen their ability to evaluate complex reports involving race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, ethnicity, hostile environment allegations, retaliation, and related concerns.

Interactive case studies and facilitated exercises will challenge participants to navigate situations involving competing legal obligations, campus protests, protected speech, and institutional response responsibilities. Throughout the session, emphasis will be placed on informed decision-making, cross-functional
collaboration, consistent documentation, and practical strategies that strengthen compliance while fostering equitable outcomes and a supportive campus climate.

Whether participants are establishing a Title VI program, refining existing policies and procedures, or preparing for increasingly complex campus incidents, they
will leave with strategies to strengthen campus readiness, improve organizational coordination, and respond confidently to Title VI concerns.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret current Title VI requirements and emerging federal guidance affecting higher education.
• Assess complex Title VI matters involving discrimination, harassment, shared ancestry, campus protests, and protected expression using structured decision making frameworks.
• Apply effective investigation, documentation, resolution, and coordinated response strategies that promote equitable and consistent and defensible
  outcomes.
• Evaluate campus policies, procedures, and operational practices to strengthen compliance and reduce legal, regulatory, and reputational risk.
• Develop collaborative campus response strategies that enhance institutional readiness, improve cross-functional coordination, and support sustainable Title VI compliance.