Harvard legal scholar Cass Sunstein joins Mushtaq Gunja and Sarah Spreitzer to delve into the foundational role of the First Amendment in shaping responses to campus protests and free speech issues in higher education. Drawing from his latest book, Campus Free Speech: A Pocket Guide, written in the wake of the protests of spring 2024, Sunstein offers practical insights on the complexities surrounding the issue, including the distinctions between public and private institutions, the implications of Title VI, and more. The hosts also give a quick update on the short-term funding package approved by Congress just ahead of the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline, and a new Government Accountability Office report on the troubled 2024 FAFSA rollout.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Campus Free Speech: A Pocket Guide

Cass Sunstein Wants to Help Universities Navigate Free Speech Conflicts
Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 3, 2024

House Set to Advance Bill Preventing Government Shutdown
The Washington Post (sub. req.) | Sept. 25, 2024

Congressional Watchdog Digs Into FAFSA Fiasco, Revealing Oversights, Call-Center Failures, and Unresolved Glitches
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Sept. 24, 2024

In the latest episode, Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer kick off the sixth season with a deep dive into the key issues shaping higher education this fall. With Congress in a monthlong sprint, they explore a flurry of messaging bills along with the legislation lawmakers actually need to accomplish before heading out for full-time campaigning. They also discuss the Biden administration’s push to cement its higher education legacy. Finally, the conversation shifts to the 2024 presidential race, examining Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s higher education agendas.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Speaker Mike Johnson Yanks Government Funding Bill Amid Growing GOP Defections
NBC News | Sept. 11, 2024

H.R.8281 - SAVE Act
Congress.gov

Republicans Seek to Revive China Initiative
Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 11, 2024

Letter to House Leadership on China Legislation
ACE | Sept. 9, 2024

Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 1398 – Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2024
Executive Office of the President | Sept. 10, 2024

H.R.7683 - Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act
Congress.gov

Federal Anti-Hazing Bill Moves One Step Closer to Becoming Law
Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 12, 2024

Letter on the Stop Campus Hazing Act
ACE | Sept. 10, 2024

College Cost Reduction Act: By the Numbers
ACE

SAVE Repayment Plan
Federal Student Aid

20 Senators Ask Cardona to Delay Gainful Employment, Financial Value Transparency Deadline
Higher Ed Dive | Sept. 11, 2024

ACE Policy Recommendations to 2024 Presidential Candidates
ACE | Sept. 11, 2024

In this episode, Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer give their insights into the current presidential election developments before they discuss decisions Congress faces prior to heading out for vacations and campaign trails. They tackle the latest developments in appropriations funding, and the markup of two House Ways and Means Committee antisemitism bills and their implications. Plus, they examine Congress’s efforts to address the FAFSA debacle and the Supreme Court’s Chevron decision.

As this is the final episode until September, Jon and Sarah also explore what will await Congress when they return after summer break, noting potential uncertainties influenced by the presidential elections.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Legislative Branch Spending Bill Defeated in House
Roll Call | July 11, 2024

House Approps Approves Labor-HHS Bill
Axios | July 11, 2024

House Republicans Advance 2 Contested Antisemitism Bills
Inside Higher Ed | July 10, 2024

Letter on the University Accountability Act and the Protecting American Students Act
ACE | July 8, 2024

House Committee Advances Bill to Mandate FAFSA Release by Oct. 1
Higher Ed Dive | July 10, 2024

Letter in Support of the FAFSA Deadline Act
ACE | July 9, 2024

Proposed Changes to FAFSA for the 2025-26 Award Year
ACE | May 22, 2024

Supreme Court Overturns 1984 Chevron Precedent, Curbing Power of Federal Government
CNN | June 28, 2024

OPINION: The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty
Inside Higher Ed | July 2, 2024

State Employees in Texas Not Subject to Overtime Rule, Judge Holds
HR Dive | July 1, 2024

Project 2025 Would Radically Overhaul Higher Ed. Here’s How.
Inside Higher Ed | July 11, 2024