Fostering Free Expression
“Freedom of expression is a bedrock principle of American democracy and of the law itself. Ours is a profession in which theories are tested, rights are secured, and outcomes are determined through open debate and the free exchange of ideas. That makes law school a critical training ground where the lawyers and leaders of the future learn to engage with every idea and analyze every argument, to speak with respect and professionalism, and to listen with an open mind. It is where they learn how to collaborate, how to disagree, and how to manage and resolve conflict.”
—DEAN RISA GOLUBOFF
A Message From the Dean
Dean Risa Goluboff discusses the fundamental value of free expression for the UVA Law community, the legal profession and democracy.
Programs Supporting Free Expression
The Law School supports numerous programs that foster a vibrant intellectual community and facilitate the free exchange of ideas.
Events at UVA Law
The Law School hosts hundreds of events each year featuring speakers with many different viewpoints.
Diversity, Equity and Belonging
The students, faculty, staff and alumni of the Law School represent a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives and views.
Student Organizations
More than 70 organizations and 10 journals allow students to explore a range of extracurricular interests and expose them to a wide variety of views and perspectives.
Community Fellows Program
Through the program, select first-year law students are trained to engage in and facilitate productive conversations across difference.
Fundamentals of the First Amendment and Law School Policies on Free Speech
Professor Leslie Kendrick ’06 discusses First Amendment policies, and the law and norms of free speech in legal education. She spoke as part of the Class of 2026 orientation.
A Charge To Keep an Open Mind
In his Charge to the Class of 2023 address, Professor Caleb Nelson encouraged graduating students to embody the “spirit of liberty” as described by Judge Learned Hand: “the spirit which is not too sure it is right.”
