Bari Weiss Canceled at UCLA: A Case Study in Campus Free Speech

Bari Weiss, a journalist known for her center-left views and criticism of progressive ideologies, was scheduled to speak at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). However, her appearance was canceled amid significant protests and threats of violence, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding free speech on college campuses.

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The cancellation of Weiss's talk is part of a broader trend observed in higher education, where conservative and moderate voices often face significant opposition. Critics argue that this environment fosters a culture of intolerance, where dissenting opinions are not only unwelcome but actively silenced. Margaret Peters, the associate director of the Burkle Center at UCLA, was a vocal opponent of Weiss's appearance, suggesting that allowing her to speak would undermine the university's mission. Peters threatened to resign if Weiss spoke, indicating a willingness among some faculty to prioritize ideological conformity over open discourse.

Jonathan Turley

Bari Weiss has been a controversial figure, particularly for her pro-Israel stance and critiques of leftist ideologies. The UCLA administration, represented by associate vice chancellor Steve Lurie, indicated that they had prepared a comprehensive security plan for Weiss's event, reflecting the seriousness of the threats made against her. The situation at UCLA mirrors similar incidents at other universities, where speakers with conservative or moderate viewpoints have faced harassment and intimidation.

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Critics of the cancellation, including various commentators and free speech advocates, argue that the decision reflects a troubling trend in academia. They contend that the actions of Peters and others exemplify a lack of self-awareness regarding the principles of free speech and intellectual diversity. The argument posits that the very individuals advocating for free expression are simultaneously working to silence those with opposing views.

Jonathan Turley

The UCLA administration has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the cancellation beyond citing security concerns. However, Lurie noted that the university had coordinated with law enforcement to ensure safety for the event. Critics argue that this reliance on security concerns serves as a pretext for yielding to the "heckler's veto," where the threat of protest is enough to cancel a speaking engagement.

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While some sources emphasize the threats and protests against Weiss as a justification for her cancellation, others highlight the broader implications for free speech on campus. There is a notable absence of voices from the UCLA administration addressing the ideological motivations behind the protests, leaving a gap in understanding the full context of the situation.

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• “that she believes Weiss has used the guise of free speech to attack people on the left whose opinions she does not agree with – and having her speak at a signatory lecture would legitimize these actions….To invite somebody who is working against that mission in highly powerful places just seems like anathema in the university mission.” — Margaret Peters, Associate Director, Burkle Center

Jonathan Turley

• “We cannot yield to the mob.” — Jonathan Turley, Legal Scholar

Jonathan Turley

The cancellation of Bari Weiss's speaking engagement at UCLA serves as a critical example of the ongoing debate surrounding free speech in higher education, revealing deep divisions within academic institutions regarding ideological diversity and tolerance.

Jonathan Turley