College campuses have become battlegrounds for free expression, with incidents of censorship and cancel culture making headlines in recent years. Yet, out of this challenge, a new wave of hope is rising—one led by passionate alumni who are taking action to restore open discourse.
This episode of Giving Ventures features three leaders from organizations working tirelessly to promote free speech: Charles Mitchell from the Open Discourse Coalition, Todd Rulon-Miller from Princetonians for Free Speech, and Peter Bonilla from the MIT Free Speech Alliance. Each brings a unique perspective and strategy to this shared mission, showcasing how alumni can be pivotal in reshaping the academic environment.
Charles Mitchell is the co-founder and CEO of the Open Discourse Coalition, a non-profit organization adjacent to Bucknell University. With a history in advocating for free speech through roles at FIRE and the American Council for Trustees and Alumni, Charles now focuses on fostering civil discourse and academic diversity on college campuses.
Todd Rulon-Miller is the treasurer of Princetonians for Free Speech, an organization he co-founded to promote free speech and civil discourse at Princeton University. With a background in Silicon Valley, he brings a donor perspective to the movement, aiming to engage alumni in supporting free speech initiatives.
Peter Bonilla is the Executive Director of the MIT Free Speech Alliance, where he leads efforts to promote free expression on MIT’s campus. Having previously worked at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, he utilizes his experience to encourage open dialogue on contentious issues.
From Canceled to Catalyzing Change at Bucknell University
Charles Mitchell’s Open Discourse Coalition stands as a testament to the power of alumni-driven initiatives. Founded around his alma mater, Bucknell University, the coalition focuses on creating environments where diverse ideas can be freely exchanged among students. By organizing debates and discussions, the coalition provides students with opportunities to engage with multiple viewpoints, a rarity in today’s often polarized campus settings.
Charles, inspired by his own experiences with censorship as an undergrad, emphasizes the importance of alumni stepping up to support current students. “There were some administrators at my alma mater who responded very poorly to my free exchange of ideas. They put me on trial, threatened me with expulsion,” Charles explains. “My life is forever transformed because of what happened to me as a college student.”
The coalition’s impact is evident in the changing dynamics at Bucknell. Charles recounts visiting campus about a decade ago and seeing administrators protest against a controversial speaker, something that doesn’t happen anymore. This success is not only a victory for Bucknell but serves as a model for other institutions grappling with similar challenges. By leveraging the influence and resources of engaged alumni, the Open Discourse Coalition is paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic academic dialogue.
Mobilizing Princeton’s Alumni Network
At Princeton University, Princetonians for Free Speech is making waves by mobilizing the university’s extensive alumni network. In response to incidents of cancel culture on campus, the organization has taken a proactive approach, focusing on educating and engaging alumni to support free speech initiatives. By hosting events and regional sessions, Princetonians for Free Speech is reconnecting alumni with the campus, encouraging them to voice their concerns and influence university policies.
A significant part of their strategy involves leveraging the power of alumni. Todd points out that alumni participation has a profound impact on the university. “What Princeton really cares about is alumni participation, and that is diminishing significantly,” he notes. This serves as a wake-up call to university administrations about the importance of upholding free speech principles. By putting pressure on the administration through alumni channels, Princetonians for Free Speech is driving tangible change and setting a precedent for others to follow.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue at MIT
Coming from a career at FIRE, Peter Bonilla’s work with the MIT Free Speech Alliance underscores the importance of bringing free expression work to the college campus. At MIT, the alliance organizes debates on topics such as systemic racism and the gender binary, offering students and faculty a chance to engage in meaningful discussions. These events are designed to challenge perspectives and promote understanding, reflecting the alliance’s commitment to fostering a culture of open expression.
Peter highlights the alliance’s approach of working collaboratively with the MIT administration, students, and faculty to ensure that free speech remains a core value of the institution. “We specifically do not advocate for giving to us in lieu of giving to MIT,” Peter says. Instead, he encourages alumni to support initiatives that align with their values within the existing university framework. This strategy not only strengthens the alliance’s influence but also reinforces the importance of free expression as a fundamental academic principle.
Through these efforts, the MIT Free Speech Alliance is not only enhancing the campus climate but also inspiring other institutions to follow suit. By demonstrating that dialogue and debate can coexist with differing viewpoints, the alliance is contributing to a more inclusive and intellectually vibrant academic environment.
