Academic Freedom

Looking back over the long history of controversial campus speakers, what might colleges do differently to avoid uncivil behavior and disruptions?

Ideological odd couple Robert George and Cornel West issue joint statement -- attracting thousands of signatures -- in wake of shouting down of a speaker at Middlebury.

On the same day Charles Murray was shouted down at Middlebury, Franklin & Marshall hosted a speaker opposed by some Muslim students and others. They protested, but didn't disrupt. And he spoke.

Scholars in the U.S. oppose new law barring foreign supporters of boycotts from entering Israel, a measure defended by the country's education minister as necessary to keep out those who wish the state ill.

Report says movement to boycott represents challenge to academic freedom in the U.S., and urges trustees to take action. Critics say report is a challenge to academic freedom.

College will investigate those who engaged in "acts of disruption and violence."

Why are freedom of speech and academic freedom so absolute for Charles Murray yet so conditional for students, asks John Patrick Leary, who writes in defense of the protesters at Middlebury College.

New details on shouting down of a speaker add to the soul-searching: professor was attacked after event; nonstudents were among those involved; president vows to promote value of free expression.