Greenville Reporter

This morning, Congressman Greg Murphy hosted the 4th Annual Campus Free Speech Roundtable in Washington, D.C. The event aimed to address challenges related to free expression on college campuses and explore solutions for supporting First Amendment rights. Joining Congressman Murphy were Education & the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman Burgess Owens.

The roundtable gathered lawmakers, stakeholders, and students along with representatives from various organizations including the Young America's Foundation (YAF), Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA), American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), Speech First, Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse, Princetonians for Free Speech, and The Jefferson Council for the University of Virginia.

During the event, Congressman Murphy expressed concerns about free speech issues on campuses. "Free speech on campuses across the country has been under attack for decades," he stated. He pointed out that "progressive political ideologues have infiltrated and overtaken college administrations and faculties," leading to what he described as a replacement of civility, freedom of expression, and equality by anti-Semitism and DEI programs.

Murphy highlighted problems such as student self-censorship in classrooms, faculty imposing their political ideologies on students, and administrators using their authority to advance political agendas. He emphasized Congress's role in overseeing public universities to protect students' First Amendment rights.

He acknowledged the contributions of groups advocating for free speech: "I appreciate the ongoing commitment of groups who fight for free speech so that we ensure our nation's colleges remain robust learning environments that cultivate tolerant, well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to our dynamic society."

The event was streamed live online.