Group Elevator Talk
The topic of Free Speech and Expression at Bucknell will be analyzed through various lenses and perspectives to gain an in-depth understanding of the topic: Alexis will be providing ironic commentary on Bucknell’s “free speech programs” along with providing a comparison of the administration’s perspective of their advocacy for freedom of expression, versus the students’ views. Liana will focus on Bucknell’s media and communication department as well as investigate what platforms are available to students for expressions, as well as limitations. Bea will focus on how freedom of expression is actually applied at Bucknell, specifically focusing on the Palestine-Israel conflict and the protests that occurred on campus last year. Younis will focus on Senator Rand Paul’s visit to Bucknell and the controversy that surrounds the forthcoming visit.
Individual Elevator Talk
For my section of this “article package” I am focusing on how Bucknell’s freedom of speech policies actually apply on campus in real situations. Specifically, I am going to focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict, regarding the Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel protests that occurred on campus last year. I aim to get various outlooks and opinions on this topic from both student protestors on both sides of the conflict, as well as faculty, and a national point of view as well.
Work Done So Far
- I have scheduled an interview with Gabby Diaz for this week. She was one of the pro-Palestine student leaders and protesters last year and is a huge advocate on campus for various issues.
- Gabby also provided me with contact information of some other students I should reach out to: Colton Beach and Ninah Jackson
- I am still open to suggestions for a faculty perspective, because I am unsure of exactly who to reach out to
- For the national perspective: I found this interesting article on a statement written by the American Council of Learned Societies, “expressing concern about university leaders’ response to recent campus protests.”
- PEN America, an organization tracks campus speech controversies and has published reports on the protests, signed on to this statement
- I reached out to Suzanne Trimel, STrimel@PEN.org, (201) 247-5057, for further comment