Panel Discussion: Freedom of Speech on Campus
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Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of free speech in higher education—featuring insights into current challenges, trends, and best practices for fostering open dialogue on college campuses.
Adelphi University students, faculty, staff and entire classes are encouraged to participate in our third annual Freedom of Expression Week Symposium events. Each day of the week offers one or more thought-provoking sessions that dive deep on timely topics, including:
- Building Community and Fostering Civility on Campus
- Examining the ongoing debates in higher education over free speech, academic freedom, and the boundaries of expression on college campuses.
- Explores how students can effectively engage in advocacy, express their views, and drive positive change within the campus community.
The symposium’s goal is to generate a deeper understanding of freedom of expression—particularly in a university setting—and to facilitate meaningful discussions across our campus community.
This event is part of Adelphi University’s Freedom of Expression Week Symposium, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
For more information, please contact Cathy Harrison at 516.877.3146 or charrison@adelphi.edu.
About the Speakers
Dr. Liza N Burby
Liza N. Burby, a senior adjunct professor at Adelphi, is also an award-winning journalist, author and editor. She has been published in over 50 newspapers, magazines and numerous websites, and authored over 40 books. She is also a professional speaker at events, conferences and in guest spots on radio, TV and podcasts. She writes about education, business, health, science, environment, lifestyles, profiles, real estate and social issues. She was recently named an outstanding journalist by the Press Club of Long Island. Burby was also the faculty advisor to the award-winning student newspaper The Delphian from 2012-2025.
Dr. Christopher Barnes
As Assistant Professor and Digital Publishing Librarian, Dr. Barnes supports student and faculty publications of different kinds. He has a doctorate in English literature and is the Library point person for all things related to open access, open educational resources and copyright. Dr. Barnes also manages the university’s institutional repository, Scholarly Works, which provides online access to the wide range of scholarly and creative work produced by members of the Adelphi community. His current research concerns the digital preservation of slavery records and their use by digital humanities projects to raise awareness about the often overlooked history of slavery on Long Island and in the greater NYC metropolitan area.
Arpan Josan
My name is Arpan Josan and I am currently a junior English major in the STEP program and the editor-in-chief of The Delphian. I have been working with The Delphian since my first year at Adelphi and was the news editor in previous years. I have written articles ranging from campus protests to cultural events happening at Adelphi. My goal is for students to be able to feel comfortable with their voices and be able to speak freely about their thoughts. Through The Delphian, I hope to create an environment in which students feel welcomed and where I and others can utilize our free speech without the fear of censorship.
Dr. Sentwali Bakari
Dr. Bakari is the Vice President for Student Affairs at Adelphi University and a member of the President’s Executive Leadership Team, overseeing a wide range of student services, including Counseling and Health Services, Student Engagement, Residential Life, Career Services, Multicultural Student Organizations, and Orientation programs. Previously, he served as Vice-Chancellor for Student Success at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Dean of Students at Drake University, and Dean of Students for Semester at Sea. He earned his PhD in College Student Personnel Administration and Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and is committed to promoting global and multicultural engagement among college students, having received the Fulbright Award to the UK and participated in international faculty delegations and travel courses. Dr. Bakari has presented at numerous national and regional conferences, including AIEA, NASPA, and NCORE, and has served as Co-Lead Facilitator for the LeaderShape Institute.