Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
What do Harry Potter, Germ Theory, and Post-it notes have in common with the United States Bill of Rights? In his address to #WashU26, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin talks about the "near misses" of history and the importance of the First Amendment in today’s world. As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Chancellor Martin draws on the debates between James Madison and Thomas Jefferson to share a lesson for graduates ... disagreement isn't a problem to solve—it’s a method to arrive at a solution. Congratulations, WashU26! You made it! #commencement #commencementspeech #firstamendment #washu
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About WashU
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a nationally ranked, global leader in teaching, research and patient care. With a vibrant community of over 21,300 students and faculty from all 50 states and 100+ countries, WashU offers world-class programs across nine distinct schools, all anchored in purpose-driven scholarship and service to society. Discover how WashU brings us closer to the knowledge that changes lives and the stories that inspire us to change the world.
What do Harry Potter, Germ Theory, and Post-it notes have in common with the United States Bill of Rights? In his address to #WashU26, Chancellor Andrew D. Martin talks about the "near misses" of history and the importance of the First Amendment in today’s world. As America approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, Chancellor Martin draws on the debates between James Madison and Thomas Jefferson to share a lesson for graduates ... disagreement isn't a problem to solve—it’s a method to arrive at a solution. Congratulations, WashU26! You made it! #commencement #commencementspeech #firstamendment #washu
→Subscribe: bit.ly/WashUSubscribe
About WashU
Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is a nationally ranked, global leader in teaching, research and patient care. With a vibrant community of over 21,300 students and faculty from all 50 states and 100+ countries, WashU offers world-class programs across nine distinct schools, all anchored in purpose-driven scholarship and service to society. Discover how WashU brings us closer to the knowledge that changes lives and the stories that inspire us to change the world.
