Prof. Liliana Zaragoza Quoted on KARE TV About Controversial Board of Regents’ Resolution

Professor Liliana Zaragoza was quoted on KARE TV about the resolution passed by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents that prevents university departments from making statements on “matters of public concern” through official platforms unless the university president determines it impacts the school’s mission. Board Chair Janie Mayeron, who co-authored the resolution, said it should help protect the university from potential unintended repercussions from opinions on official websites. Opponents, including hundreds of faculty members, argue it infringes on academic freedom. Prof. Zaragoza, director of the Racial Justice Law Clinic, questioned how “official channels” would be defined as well as “matters of public concern or public interest.” She said, “It covers far too much speech. Anything could be a matter of public concern or public interest, you know, are we talking about the climate? Are we talking about reproductive rights? Are we talking about health care?”