Free Speech

Maria A. Ressa, an internationally acclaimed journalist who has endured political threats and government arrests for her commitment to truth and democracy, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when she speaks to the university’s graduating students and their families during 2023 Commencement activities. Read More

The University of Mississippi teamed with Vanderbilt to host a debate exhibition on Feb. 3. The free event, part of an effort to increase civic engagement on Vanderbilt’s campus, drew an audience from the higher ed and Nashville communities.  Read More

Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates Joins Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos on "The Zeppos Report" to discuss the importance of civil discourse and her 27-year career in the Department of Justice. Read More

Watch video of a panel discussion about the limits of free speech, especially on college campuses. Moderated by John M. Seigenthaler, former news anchor for NBC, MSNBC and Al Jazeera America. Panelists include: Shaka Mitchell, Executive Director of Rocketship Nashville; Norman Tolk, Vanderbilt Professor of Physics and liaison for the… Read More

John M. Seigenthaler will moderate a panel discussion titled "The Limits of Free Speech?" Oct. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Central Library's Community Room. Read More

The Nashville Elementary School Debate Consortium takes place April 9 at J.E. Moss Elementary School in Antioch. Read More

Expect the campaign rhetoric to sizzle the last two weeks before the 2010 midterms, says John Geer, chair and Distinguished Professor of Political Science. Read More