Free Speech on Campus

Professor Lee Epstein and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin
Political Science 334
Spring 2025

Description. For generations controversies over free expression have rocked campuses across the United States. This course explores how the First Amendment's guarantees of freedom of expression play out in colleges and universities. Readings consist of court decisions, theories, and commentary on free expression, as well as background material on five real-world controversies.

Course Outline and Readings. Click here. Before the first class (on February 28), please complete the readings under “Part 2. Four Tools for Analyzing Free Expression Controversies.”

Class Sessions (In AB Hall—the Law School—Room 305)

• Friday, February 28: Noon-5 pm

• Saturday, March 1: 8 am-5 pm

Grading and Learning Outcomes. Click here.

Office Hours. Please email Prof. Epstein, at epstein@wustl.edu, for an appointment.

Teaching Assistants.

• Nareh Derhartounian, d.nareh@wustl.edu

• Tylah Gantt, g.tylah@wustl.edu

• Ethan Knoll, e.knoll@wustl.edu

• Zej Moczydlowski, m.zej@wustl.edu

• Perri Wilson, perri@wustl.edu

We are grateful to the Frick Initiative at Washington University for its support of this course.