From a recent email message:
Call for Papers: Navigating Campus Freedom of Expression in Polarized and Turbulent Times
International Conference on Academic Freedom, Expression Rights, and Institutional Responsibilities
January 6, 2026 – Haim Striks School of Law, College of Management, Israel
The war in Gaza, the rise of the Trump administration in the US and other events in recent years highlighted the complex challenges academic institutions face in balancing fundamental freedoms with community welfare and institutional integrity. Campuses worldwide have become crucibles where principles of free expression collide with concerns for student safety, institutional stability, and the preservation of learning environments which foster open inquiry and debate.
This international conference aims to examine the multifaceted challenges of protecting and regulating speech in academic settings. We welcome contributions that analyze the theoretical foundations, practical implications, and potential solutions, from legal scholars, social scientists, education researchers, practitioners, administrators and others.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Legal frameworks governing campus speech in different jurisdictions
- Balancing protest rights with institutional operations
- Managing controversial classroom discussions and academic discourse
- Faculty and student off-campus expression: institutional oversight and social repercussions
- Protection of minority students' expression rights and safety
- Comparative analysis of campus speech policies across different countries
- Intersection of academic freedom with DEI policies
- Legal and ethical dimensions of disciplinary measures for speech-related violations
- Institutional independence and protection from external political and legal pressures
- Bottom-up pressures on Freedom of Expression: self-censorship due to student actions
- The role of institutional neutrality in upholding Freedom of Expression
The conference seeks to foster constructive dialogue about these pressing challenges while advancing our understanding of how academic institutions can uphold both free expression and inclusive community values in increasingly complex times.
Submission Guidelines and Important Dates
Abstract Submission:
- Length: Maximum 400 words
- Format: Word or PDF file
- Email to: foeconference@colman.ac.il
- Include: Title, author(s’) name(s), institutional affiliation(s), and contact information
Timeline:
- Abstract Submission Deadline: November 7, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: November 21, 2025
- Full Paper Submission (for accepted abstracts): December 15, 2025
Registration:
There is no registration fee, but participants are kindly asked to register at: campusfoeconference.info. A limited number of presenters will also be able to join and present online, via zoom (though we encourage you to join us in person).
Venue: Haim Striks School of Law College of Management Academic Studies Rishon LeZion, Israel
Contact: For inquiries, please contact us at foeconference@colman.ac.il
Organizing Committee:
Roy Peled, Haim Striks School of Law (Chair)
Barak Medina, Hebrew University
Adam Shinar, Reichman University
Maya Steinitz, Boston University
Manal Totry-Jubran, Bar-Ilan University
Neta Ziv, Tel-Aviv University