Freedom of Expression at the University: Inaccuracies and Straw Men (Response to Lars Meier)

Abstract

In our response, we address criticisms of our study “Is Free Speech in Danger on University Campus?” that we encounter repeatedly and in similar form in discussions. These concern our case selection, our understanding and operationalization of tolerance and free speech, and, not least, our “positionality.” As we argue, these criticisms are based on a distorted reception of our findings and on arguments attributed to us that we have not made. We reiterate the relevance of addressing the question of freedom of expression at the university from a social science perspective.