AFSA Annual Conference - Universities in Crisis: Mobilizing Alumni to Reform Higher Education

In an era where free expression and intellectual diversity are under siege on college campuses, alumni have a critical role to play in reversing this troubling trend. The Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA) is proud to host its Annual Conference under the theme: “Universities in Crisis: Mobilizing Alumni to Reform Higher Education.” This event brings together thought leaders, faculty, students, policymakers, and media voices committed to restoring free inquiry, academic rigor, and viewpoint diversity in American higher education.

Taking place on April 15, 2025, at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Charlotte, NC, the conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, including Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy, Dr. Ben Carson, and leaders from organizations championing free speech. Discussions will explore the philosophical monoculture on campuses, policy solutions to protect viewpoint diversity, and the role of university boards in institutional reform.

Through engaging panels, student and faculty perspectives, and insights from policymakers and media influencers, AFSA aims to inspire alumni to take an active role in holding their alma maters accountable—ensuring that universities fulfill their fundamental mission of fostering open discourse and rigorous debate. Whether through governance, philanthropy, or accountability, alumni can be a driving force in restoring integrity to higher education. Join us for a day of critical discussions, strategic networking, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of American higher education. The time for action is now.

Conference Agenda

MONDAY, APRIL 14

Attendees arrive; no scheduled programs or events

TUESDAY, APRIL 15

8:00-9:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast and Welcoming Remarks

Tom Neale, AFSA

9:00-10:00 AM
AFSA Partners in the Battle for Free Speech and Intellectual Freedom on College Campuses

Liz Stiff, Little Lion Consulting and AFSA Leadership Team (Moderator)
Connor Murnane, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
John Tomasi, Heterodox Academy
Pat Coyle, Young Americans for Freedom
Nick Down, American Council of Trustees and Alumni

10:00-11:00 AM
AFSA Member Students – Why Can’t We Have Civil Discussions in Our Classes?

Harrington Shaw, University of North Carolina (Moderator)
Matan Goldstein, University of Virginia
Alexa Cohen, Davidson College
Spencer Sindhusen, MIT
Matthew Wilson, Princeton University

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
AFSA Member Faculty – The Philosophical Monoculture on American Campuses and Why We Need Radical Change

Mark McNeilly, University of North Carolina (Moderator)
Allan Stam, University of Virginia
Brent Nelsen, Furman University
Marisol Quintanilla, Michigan State University
William Jacobson, Cornell Law School (via Zoom)
Luana Maroja, Williams University

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00-2:15 PM
Keynote Address – Congressional Initiatives to Restore Intellectual Diversity on American Campuses

Congressman Dr. Greg Murphy, Former Chair of the House Committee on Education
Introduction and Q&A hosted by James G. Martin, Former North Carolina Governor

2:15-2:45 PM
Policy Solutions to Protect Free Speech, Viewpoint Diversity, and Equal Opportunity

Jenna Robinson, James G. Martin Center

2:45-3:45 PM
AFSA Board of Visitors Members – University Boards Must Aggressively Institute the Changes Necessary to Resurrect Our American Institutions of Higher Learning

Jenna Robinson, James G. Martin Center (Moderator)
Bert Ellis, University of Virginia
Jim McNab, Davidson College
John Preyer, University of North Carolina
Cindy Crawford, Cornell University (via Zoom)

3:45-4:15 PM
Break

4:15-4:30 PM
Special Presentation

4:30-5:15 PM
Keynote Address – Meritocracy in the Sciences

Dr. Ben Carson, American Cornerstone Institute

5:30-7:00 PM
Cocktails and Babbling Beaver Presentation

7:00-7:45 PM
Dinner and Media Presentation

Media Influencers and Editorialists – University Administrations are Ignoring American Exceptionalism and Media Can Hold Them Accountable

Kenny Xu, Davidson College (Moderator)
Jim Bacon, Bacon’s Rebellion, University of Virginia
Jack Fowler, National Review
John Sailer, Manhattan Institute
John Murawski, RealClearPolitics
Eric Rasmussen, MIT Free Speech Alliance

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16

8:00-9:00 AM
Buffet Breakfast, Recap, and Sendoff

Tom Neale, AFSA