Spencer Fane partner Andy Lester provided the premise for a recent editorial in The Oklahoman regarding free speech on college campuses. After hearing Andy speak at the University of Oklahoma’s “Legal Issues in Higher Education” program, The Oklahoman published an editorial aligned with Andy’s thesis. Additionally, Andy’s remarks from the program were repurposed in an abridged commentary for Oklahoma online outlet, Nondoc.com.
Andy’s remarks focused on legal issues including academic freedom, the First Amendment, and other rules surrounding free speech on university campuses. “Members of a college community are free to criticize and to contest speakers and views expressed on campus,” Andy said. “But they may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the freedom of others to express views they reject or even loathe.”
As a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Andy has delivered similar speeches across the state in recent months.
