Dealing with legislation against academic freedom and freedom of expression in higher education

The last few years have seen an increasing attack on academic freedom and free speech within higher education. Legislation passed in Florida, Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, North Carolina, and other states threatens academic freedom, diversity and inclusion, and the future ability for public universities to create spaces where students and faculty can freely and critically examine ideas and events together. Many states are also including so-called “anti-woke” bills that in some way limit the education of K-12 students and prevent discussion of slavery, the genocide of native Americans, and anything having to do with LGBTQ+ issues. Together, these “attacks on education” are attacks on the future of a viable democracy, which depends upon an educated citizenry. Professional organizations such as your AAR, ACLS, AHA, and MLA have released statements condemning these attacks. What might we do as faculty and scholars to resist these types of attacks on higher education?  This session, moderated by Charles Mathewes, will be a place for faculty and scholars affected by these types of legislation, and their allies, to share resources and ideas about how to deal with these new laws in the classroom and in the academy in general.