In order to divide up the work, all five group members will interview and investigate different individuals with leadership roles in regards to protecting and advocating for free speech on campus. Alexis will interview Kurt Nelson, the Director of Religious and Spiritual life here at Bucknell. As a leader of the religious community at Bucknell, Kurt seeks to continuously create open and honest discussions, and facilitate multiple interfaith conversations per semester. Kurt has been a constant advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on campus, so he will have an unique perspective into how the reversal of DEI policies at the federal level will have an impact on his campus mission.
Liana will interview Kelsey Werkheiser, the Bucknellian’s editor-in-chief. Kelsey has extensive experience understanding how free speech policies manifest on a University Campus. Her role as editor has no doubt placed her in a position that shows what is beyond just official literature. Topics of discussion to be brought up are included, but not limited to: challenges student writers face regarding controversial topics, censorship from external parties, representation of all voices on campus, and the newspaper’s relationship with faculty and the surrounding community of Lewisburg.
Bea will interview Ken Field and Sue Ellen Henry from the Bucknell AAUP Executive Board. She will ask each of their opinions on the Free Speech issue at Bucknell, as well as why the faculty were opposed to adopting the Chicago Principles. She will also ask more specifically about the academic freedom issues at Bucknell. If possible, she would also like to interview a few students on their thoughts as well.
Anna reached out to the Bucknell chapter of AAUP to see if she could attend their Spring meeting but she did not get a response. She has the contact information of some of the people in attendance and will reach out to inquire about their thoughts on the meeting. Anna is also reaching out to the people from the open discourse coalition including Dawn Toguchi and Charles Mitchell, as well as professors in attendance of the vote on the Chicago Principle discussions including Professor Jansson, Professor Traflet, and Professor Murray.