July Update from the AFA
We hope everyone is enjoying their summer months. As we look ahead to a new academic year, the AFA continues to support faculty in ongoing disputes while preparing for the new challenges that inevitably await. July was a quieter month on our docket, but the conversation around academic freedom is heating up around the country heading into the fall semester. We highlight below a few key developments from the past month.
The Latest in Academic Freedom
Columbia University reached a $200 million settlement with the federal government in response to investigations into antisemitism and campus protests. Negotiations are ongoing between the Trump administration and other universities, including Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT. These developments signal a growing willingness by the federal government to exert influence over how institutions respond to politically sensitive speech.
Late last month, a federal trial concluded in AAUP v. Rubio, challenging the administration’s effort to revoke visas and deport noncitizen students and faculty over pro‑Palestinian speech. The judge requested post‑trial filings from both parties by the end of next week and is expected to issue a ruling this month. Depending on the outcome, this decision could set a critical precedent on First Amendment rights for noncitizens on campuses nationwide.
On July 28, Pepperdine University President Jim Gash published an op-ed in U.S. News and World Report defending the compatibility of religious identity and academic freedom, arguing that institutions grounded in faith can still be fully committed to open inquiry and debate.
We expect these and other issues to center prominently in campus conversations during the upcoming academic year, and we will continue to monitor any disputes related to our members and others. As always, please reach out to Director of Operations Howard Muncy at hmuncy@academicfreedom.org with any information for us to consider.
New Paper on Diversity Statements
The AFA’s Keith Whittington has published a new article in the Nebraska Law Review based on his 2024 Roscoe Pound Lecture. Titled “Diversity Statements, Academic Freedom, and the First Amendment,” the article lays out a constitutional critique of mandatory diversity statements in faculty hiring, arguing that they likely violate both First Amendment protections and long-standing academic freedom principles.
The abstract of his paper states, in part, “Diversity statements have become a common component of applications for faculty positions and student admission at universities across the country….Although there are versions of such statements that might pass constitutional muster, as commonly designed and implemented the use of diversity statements likely violates both First Amendment and academic freedom principles. Indeed, diversity statement requirements for faculty hiring are inconsistent with multiple lines of constitutional doctrine.”
End of Year Fundraising Goal
As we prepare for a new academic year and the new challenges it will bring, we are setting our sights on raising $100,000 from members and supporters by the end of 2025. The AFA doesn’t accept funding from universities or government sources, meaning we rely entirely on individuals who share our commitments to protecting academic freedom and open inquiry. We couldn’t do any of our work without your support. If you believe in this mission, we hope you’ll consider making a contribution to help us reach our goal.
Membership Updates
We added five new members since our last update for a total membership of 934. We would like to surpass 1000 members this year and appreciate any and all recommendations from our current members that may help us meet that goal. Please send any nominations to AFA Director of Operations Howard Muncy at hmuncy@academicfreedom.org.