This meeting will introduce ACS to current law students (particularly the 1Ls), encourage potential members to join and brainstorm event ideas for Fall 2024. We will also elect a leadership team, and provide participants with food.

The American Constitution Society at the University of Michigan Law School will be holding an informal networking event where our members can speak with some alumni and other lawyers who are in town for the Meet the Employers event later in the evening for students interested in going to work at law firms after graduation.

ACS welcomes Brian Collins to campus to discuss his career in the Special Investigations Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and his career afterward. No RSVP necessary.

Networking social between multiple professionals and leaders in the Sacramento area and ACS McGeorge members. Professionals and leaders will speak on navigating the legal field as a progressive during dinner. After, we will open to networking and socializing. Co-Sponsor Center for Inclusion and Diversity.

This event will be co-hosted with the Detroit Mercy Law Federalist Society! Catering will be provided by Big Salad. 

The following discussion will occur:

Topic: Free Speech on Campus

1. Definition of terms:

a. What is speech?

b. Free speech on private campuses (largely free of government control)

c. Free speech on public campuses (1st Amendment/5th & 14th Amendment)

d. Academic freedom – 1940 AAUP statement sets the definition for most purposes. (mention but not the focus of the event)

2. How is student speech treated differently on campus vs. off-campus?

3. What are the threats to freedom of speech on campus?

a. Threats from government 

i. Anti-DEI

ii. Pro-DEI

iii. Efforts to control what subjects are taught and discussed.

iv. Efforts to mandate balance in teaching.

b. Threats from private individuals

i. Disruption of speaking events.

ii. Use of donations to control institutions.

iii. “Cancellation” – Social backlash for unpopular speech

c. Threats from universities

i. Discrimination in student organization formation and regulation.

ii. Discrimination in who is invited to speak.

iii. Use of the disciplinary process to punish speech.

4. What laws regulate these threats to campus speech?

5. What are the relevant considerations when determining what speech should be allowed on campus?