Prepare for Fall 2024: Campus Safety and Free Speech Strategies and the Upcoming Election

As the fall 2024 semester is now underway, campuses are actively addressing ongoing challenges, including heightened concerns around student safety, free speech, and the potential impact of the upcoming elections.

To help campus leaders navigate these challenges, we’ve gathered crucial insights and strategies from top experts. Listen to recent episodes of the dotEDU podcast, explore our latest issue briefs, and register for upcoming live discussions to ensure your campus is prepared for the complex dynamics of the new academic year.

Open Letter

Letter to Presidential Candidates

In an open letter addressed to both presidential candidates, ACE has outlined a comprehensive set of policy recommendations aimed at leveraging U.S. colleges and universities to address the nation’s most pressing challenges, like student safety and free speech. ACE President Ted Mitchell has shared a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to address these concerns. You can read the full letter here or view the summary page for key highlights and actionable strategies to support and protect students during this pivotal time.

Listen to dotEDU

The First Amendment and Campus Protests: A Conversation with Cass Sunstein

Harvard legal scholar Cass Sunstein joins Mushtaq Gunja and Sarah Spreitzer to delve into the foundational role of the First Amendment in shaping responses to campus protests and free speech issues in higher education. Drawing from his latest book, Campus Free Speech: A Pocket Guide, written in the wake of the protests of spring 2024, Sunstein offers practical insights on the complexities surrounding the issue, including the distinctions between public and private institutions, the implications of Title VI, and more. (Aired September 30, 2024)


The Campus Speech vs. Safety Tightrope: A Conversation with Fred Lawrence

Fred Lawrence, a seasoned higher education leader, joined us on ACE’s dotEDU podcast in May to discuss the delicate balance between free speech and campus safety. Amid the heightened tensions of last spring, Lawrence provided valuable perspectives on fostering inclusive campus communities. His insights remain crucial as we navigate similar challenges ahead. (Aired May 13, 2024) 



The State of Student Affairs: Campus Protests, Mental Health, and Supporting Students

NASPA President Kevin Kruger joins the podcast to talk about the challenges facing students—and student affairs professionals—in 2024. On the agenda: the spring protests over the war in Gaza, student mental health, DEI, and how student affairs can support students during this time of almost unprecedented challenge. (Aired June 6, 2024)


More from dotEDU

Campuses, Congress, and the Campaign Trail This Fall

dotEDU Live: From Heat Waves to Fall Challenges

State of the States: How Higher Ed Can Build Its Future

View all Seasons 1-5

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Issue Briefs

Preparing for a Potentially Tumultuous Fall on Campus: A Conversation with a Former President, General Counsel and Campus Police Chief Who Have Been There Before 

ACE’s recently released issue brief explores how campus leaders can address potential challenges related to free speech, safety, and campus climate. Featuring expert perspectives, this resource provides essential guidance for a successful academic year.

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Cover of Student Voting Issue Brief Student Voting and College Political Campaign–Related Activities in 2024

This issue brief updates ACE’s 2023 guide on how institutions can support student voting and manage campus political activities. It provides examples of what’s allowed and what’s not. Freedom of speech and civility are not covered. Prepared in June 2024 by Peter McDonough, ACE’s vice president and general counsel, and Hogan Lovells U.S. LLP.

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Student Voting Campaign Brief

A strategy guide for higher education leaders and administrators to help instill civic participation and successful campus voting initiatives. From Education for All, a group of over 250 college presidents, mostly from community colleges. ACE is a partner in this campaign.

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​ACE Experts


Jon Fansmith
Senior vice president of government relations and national engagement


Peter McDonough
Vice president and general counsel


Media Contact

​Audrey Hamilton
Director of Public Affairs
202-939-9353
auhamilton@acenet.edu​