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2024 ask the Expert: Free Speech on Campus

April 3, 2024 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

This program is designed to explore the intricacies of free expression in an academic setting and to understand its impact and limits. We will discuss how to facilitate expressive activity on campus, including during times of increased demonstrations and political activity. Participants are encouraged to submit questions about situations they have encountered and concerns they have about their campus.

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Learning Outcomes
  • A solid understanding of what free speech really means on campus, including how to support all kinds of expressive activity on campus.  
  • The ability to think critically about these issues, discuss in a meaningful way, and respect different viewpoints in the process. 
ACUI Core Competencies
  • Social Justice
  • Student Learning
Registration Details
  • Campus Pass for Premium or Full Tier Member Campus: $75
  • Individual at a Digital Tier Member Campus: $99
  • Nonmember: $99

After the initial registration from an individual at a campus, others associated with the campus will be able to register at the $0 complimentary rate. Each person who wants access to event or resources following event should register individually. Members must be associated with the correct campus account to receive the $0 rate, where applicable; please contact [email protected] with questions or issues. 

Premium and Full Tier members may use a Premier Roundtable Voucher toward this event. Please contact [email protected] with questions or issues. 

About the Presenter

Lena Shapiro is the inaugural director of the new First Amendment Clinic, supported by The Stanton Foundation. The First Amendment Clinic focuses on defending and advancing freedoms of speech, press, and assembly across the Midwest. 

Prior to joining the Illinois faculty, Shapiro spent seven years as a litigator representing clients in a variety of commercial, intellectual property, and information privacy disputes. She has resolved conflicts pre-suit as well as guided clients through active litigation. Managing all stages of litigation, including fact and expert discovery, Lena has drafted and argued dispositive motions, prepared, and submitted clients for deposition, and led all aspects of trial and appeal. She has first- and second-chaired trials in federal and state courts, including successfully defending a client in a multi-million-dollar jury trial, and argued before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Born in Ukraine, Shapiro was raised in Chicago and the Chicago suburbs. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science from the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois–College of Law.

About Ask the Expert

Ask the Expert experiences feature guests with expertise on relevant topics from across the higher education community. These guests will respond to attendee questions and share their insights on how to improve programs and operations.