Rice University’s Office of Access and Institutional Excellence welcomed author and free speech advocate Suzanne Nossel to campus April 28 for a conversation on “Protecting Speech and Advancing Equality.”
Nossel, former CEO of PEN America and author of “Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All,” joined Mellon-Mays Fellow and junior English major Samantha Peltrau to discuss the evolving role of higher education in fostering both open dialogue and inclusive, respectful environments.
Alexander Byrd, vice provost for access and institutional excellence, opened the event by describing it as part of an ongoing dialogue at Rice on the relationship between free expression and principles of diversity.
Nossel highlighted the complexities universities face in balancing free speech with societal responsibilities, touching on culturally relevant issues and events that have stirred debate in recent years. She emphasized the vital role campuses play as incubators of leadership, urging students to engage across divides and develop the skills needed for thoughtful, courageous dialogue.
“In our society, we need more leaders now rather than less,” Nossel said. “We need more voices willing and able to speak out on these topics.
“The campus is a really important incubator. The experience that you have here, cutting across divides and talking to people with whom you may have different views — this is a great place to foster those skills and push people out of their comfort zones.“
Nossel and Peltrau took various questions from the audience regarding how to combat misinformation, the importance of face-to-face interaction and how to build solidarity across diverse viewpoints.
The conversation reflects Rice’s ongoing commitment to promoting intellectual curiosity, dialogue and an empowered campus culture.
To learn more, visit aie.rice.edu.