Free Speech on Campus

Professor Lee Epstein and Chancellor Andrew D. Martin
Political Science 3342
Spring 2026

Description. For generations, controversies over free expression have rocked campuses across the United States. This course explores how the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of expression plays 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.

  • Outline. Click here for the course outline, and please follow the instructions for the readings you should try to complete before the course starts.

  • Book. The book for this course is Rebecca L. Brown, Lee Epstein, Adam Liptak, & Andrew D. Martin, Free Speech: A Campus Toolkit (CQ/Sage, 2026). The Chancellor is providing all enrolled students with a free copy of this book. Please pick up your copy in North Brookings, #220 (the Chancellor’s suite) any time after January 12, 2026.

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

  • Friday, January 23, 2026: Noon-5 pm

  • Saturday, January 24, 2026: 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.


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