David M Rabban in the Media

The Chronicle of Higher Education December 19, 2025

The Legal Status of the Assault on Higher Education

Professor David Rabban pens an essay reviewing legal challenges that have been made to legislation passed in several states posing a threat to academic freedom in American universities, and three revealing decisions by federal district court judges in response to those challenges.

Radio Free Campus December 16, 2025

Academic Freedom as First Amendment Right with guest David Rabban

Professor David Rabban discusses the definition and value of academic freedom and how it transitioned from a professional norm to a First Amendment right, which is the topic of his most recent book.

The Chronicle of Higher Education October 16, 2025

Our Politics Differ, But We Agree: Trump’s ‘Compact’ Violates Academic Freedom

Professor David Rabban jointly authored an opinion piece with fellow scholars supporting academic freedom in response to the proposed "Compact for American Excellence in Higher Education."

Iowa Public Radio September 26, 2025

Academic freedom expert believes threats today are greater than McCarthyism

Professor David Rabban shares his belief that academic freedom is more vulnerable and in greater danger today than during the Red Scare Era, as institutions rather than individuals are under attack.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression April 23, 2025

The government’s money, the government’s rules?

Professor David Rabban warns of the dangers of the federal government using funding as leverage to influence speech and academic freedom on college campuses and instead recommends addressing discrimination through lawful means.

Free Speech Center November 10, 2024

Interested in academic freedom? New book by Texas law professor is indispensable guide

A review of Professor David Rabban's newest book tracing the evolution of academic freedom call it "an indispensable guide for scholars of the First Amendment."

Law & Liberty September 26, 2024

The Law and Culture of Academic Freedom

Professor David Rabban's book "Academic Freedom: From Professional Norm to First Amendment Right" is reviewed as being "the most thoughtful legal discussion of academic freedom ever published."

The Hill August 18, 2024

What does academic freedom really mean?

Professor David Rabban's arguments in his new book, "Academic Freedom: From Professional Norm to First Amendment Right", are commended for their ability to address the growing confusion surrounding academic freedom in American institutions of higher education.

Reason April 20, 2022

The Academic Freedom Podcast #14 on Controversial Public Speech

Professor David Rabban is interviewed on a podcast about controversial public speech by professors and the scope of protection such speech has under common university policies.