Barnhardt Selected for University of California Class of Fellows

Cassie Barnhardt, senior research fellow in the Social and Education Policy Research Program and associate professor in the College of Education, was one of ten fellows selected for the 2020-2021 class at the University of California's National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.

The ten projects were selected from a highly competitive pool, representing students, professors, law enforcement, policymakers and senior administrators who are addressing challenging issues in regards to expression, academic freedom and campus life.

"Our third class of fellows is pursuing critical issues shaping the national conversation around expression and civic engagement,” said Michelle Deutchman, the Center’s executive director. “Their projects will contribute to a rich legacy of research, insight and expertise on free speech in higher education; we are proud to welcome them to the Center.” 

Barnhardt's project is entitled, "Comparing Contemporary Campus Mobilization at Scale: Tactics, Intensity, and Media Attention.” Over the course of the 2020-21 year, she will research the topic, and develop educational materials and programs that can serve as a roadmap to safeguarding and encouraging the free exchange of ideas while simultaneously ensuring the institutional values of equity and inclusion. She will spend time on one of the ten UC campuses to inform the work of students, faculty, and administrators.

You can read more about Barnhardt and the other fellows here.