Bullhorn Academy: Dignity, Discrimination and the Limits of Free Speech

This is a challenging moment for speech in higher education. The events of October 7 and its aftermath exposed deep tensions within our communities, while policies and procedures designed to address underage drinking and plagiarism struggled to keep up. At the same time, key stakeholders in the academic project – students, alumni, faculty, government officials, and the public itself - express decreased faith in institutions’ ability to carry out their mission in an increasingly uncertain landscape. In this discussion, we will explore the deepest purpose of our institutions, how our policy decisions and conversations with our internal partners can more closely align with that purpose, and the high stakes of failing to live our values with integrity.

Presenter’s Bio:

Adria DiCapua is the Director of Training and Education for Columbia’s Office of Institutional Equity. Her career encompasses deep experience in regulatory analysis and policy drafting as a senior associate at an AmLaw 20 firm, as well as extensive expertise in training and conflict resolution honed as the Director of Court and Community Programs at a mediation non-profit. Adria is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (B.A., summa cum laude) and New York University School of Law (J.D.).