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BPC Comments on Campus Free Expression Executive Order, Ahead of Monday Event

Washington, D.C.– With news that President Trump is expected to sign an Executive Order defending free and open inquiry on college campuses, this issue is once again moving to the forefront of the national consciousness.

On Monday, the Bipartisan Policy Center is holding an event to launch a new project on campus free expression, featuring university thought leaders.

The following is a statement from BPC Campus Free Expression Project director, Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill:

“The president is correct that free and open inquiry is an essential feature of our democracy. BPC hopes that the president does not impose burdensome requirements or penalties that would make the federal government the arbitrator of campus discourse.

“Many higher education institutions have not succeeded in fostering a full and robust culture of free expression. College and university leaders must seize this opportunity to acknowledge valid concerns about the state of campus free expression, to demonstrate that they are true stewards of free and open exchange, and to lead the national conversation about how to educate the next generation to be the leaders who can heal our polarized politics.”

Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill is available for comment.

To attend BPC’s launch event of the Campus Free Expression Project, please RSVP.

WHAT: Crisis on Campus: The Future of Free Expression and Intellectual Diversity

WHO: Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill, Director of the Campus Free Expression Project, BPC

WHEN: Monday, March 25 | 10:00 a.m. ET

WHERE: Bipartisan Policy Center | 1225 Eye St. NW, Suite 1000 | Washington, D.C. 20005

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