Throughout the fall semester, there have been many discussions regarding free speech at Chapman. Recently, many organizations have been restricted on activities such as postponing and limiting of the C.A.R.E.S clothesline project and not allowing the Chapman Thrift Club to sell items.

In addition, Chapman has historically been ranked poorly for its free speech policy according to Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Out of 257 schools, Chapman was rated 181 for their policy and given a red ranking.

On Nov. 4, it was announced that the Fletcher Jones Foundation gave a $1 million grant to be put towards creating a new endow chair of free speech. Vikki Katz, a professor of communication at Chapman, will be taking on this role starting in January 2025. 

In addition to funding the new position, the grant will be used to hold campus events and bring guest speakers to Chapman to help students gain knowledge about issues revolving around free speech.

“Free speech and academic freedom are hallmarks of Chapman University — ideals that we uphold and practice every day in our classrooms, in our halls and across our campuses,” said Chapman President Daniele Struppa in a press release. “This generous grant from The Fletcher Jones Foundation helps bolster higher education’s broader purpose to create and impart knowledge, facilitate the rich exchange of ideas and open our collective minds to new and differing perspectives.” 

The Fletcher Jones Foundation was created to support private schools in California as the main form of assistance, as higher education was an area of philanthropy that Jones focused on before his death. 

“I think the foundation wisely saw the need for greater priority on free speech issues on college campuses in general, although Chapman has done much better than many peer institutions when it comes to ensuring the balance between students' free speech rights on the one hand, and pressing for students to engage in civil discourse around politically contentious issues, on the other,” Katz said.

Norma Bouchard, the executive vice president, provost and chief academic officer at Chapman, is responsible for leading the process of selecting and appointing when gifts are given to support faculty chairs. 

“Dr. Katz has focused extensively on the intersection of free speech, civil discourse and equitable access to civic engagement opportunities, addressing how the digital divide and technology engagement impact both young people’s and adults’ ability to fully participate in civic life” Bouchard said. “Her expertise in this area will bring added visibility to Chapman’s commitment to free speech and civil discourse.”