Lee C. Bollinger, the former president of Columbia University in New York, discusses the critical role of free speech, especially in academic settings. Columbia University, known for its strong tradition of protecting freedom of expression, recently experienced significant protests related to the conflict in Gaza. Bollinger, who led the university until just before these events, emphasizes the responsibility of universities to educate students about the importance and challenges of free speech.
The interview highlights the delicate balance institutions must maintain to foster open dialogue while managing tensions that arise during sensitive political moments. Bollinger’s perspective reflects Columbia's longstanding commitment to upholding free expression as a cornerstone of higher education in the United States, underscoring the need for universities to actively engage in teaching the principles and practice of free speech in a diverse and often divided society.