Graduation Term

Fall 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

Elizabeth Lugg

Committee Member

Lydia Kyei-Blankson

Committee Member

James Applegate

Abstract

The issue of free expression on college campuses continues to be a major concern for scholars and policymakers. Past studies are divided on whether a free speech crisis truly exists in higher education. Prior research, often limited to case studies or small-scale surveys concluded that students’ limited understanding of free expression has contributed to perceptions of a campus free speech crisis. Conversely, other scholars argue that political motives and intentional narrative framing have created a false crisis. This study expanded on Teresa Bejan’s (2017) argument that scholars should look beyond First Amendment jurisprudence to better contextualize campus speech incidents. The study examined college students’ definitions and experiences of free expression, as well as their views on the university’s role in fostering an understanding and practice of free expression. Additionally, it examined how students’ attitudes, values, and beliefs aligned with or differed from established theories related to free expression. Data were collected through two semi-structured interviews with ten full-time undergraduate students enrolled at public universities across four states. A multi-cycle analytic coding process using inductive and deductive strategies was employed to analyze the data and answer three research questions. Findings revealed that students held profound and multifaceted views of free expression, shaped by personal identity, family background, faith, human dignity, social activism, and educational experience. Students also expressed views that closely aligned with three classical theories of free expression, suggesting that their understanding extended beyond First Amendment jurisprudence. The results call for campus administrators to move beyond compliance-driven responses to speech incidents and toward balanced approaches that affirm community, civility, and respect.

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

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Available for download on Saturday, January 30, 2027

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