Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
"Is institutional neutrality necessary to preserve the university as a forum for open inquiry rather than an actor in political disputes?"
This debate took place at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, on June 23, 2026. Arguing the affirmative is Jonathan Turley, Professor at George Washington University Law School. Arguing the negative is Todd Wolfson, Professor at Rutgers University and President of the American Association of University Professors. This debate is moderated by Tony Blankley Fellow George Bogden.
00:00 - 04:00 - Opening Remarks
04:00 - 10:00 - Pre-Debate Poll
10:00 - 16:00 - Opening Statements by Jonathan Turley
16:00 - 23:00 - Opening Statements by Todd Wolfson
23:00 - 29:00 - Historical Perspective and the Validity of Athens as a Model for Universities
29:00 - 37:00 - Is Institutional Neutrality Impossible?
37:00 - 45:00 - Can Institutional Neutrality Protect Students from Feeling Unsafe on Campus?
45:00 - 50:00 - Discussing the Kalven Report
50:00 - 56:00 - Does Institutional Neutrality Require Apathy Toward Political Issues?
56:00 - 1:04:00 - Would a Lack of Institutional Neutrality Allow Politics to Become Involved in Higher Education Courses?
1:04:00 - 1:14:00 - Closing Statements
1:14:00 - 1:17:21 - Post-Debate Poll and Final Thoughts
"Is institutional neutrality necessary to preserve the university as a forum for open inquiry rather than an actor in political disputes?"
This debate took place at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming, on June 23, 2026. Arguing the affirmative is Jonathan Turley, Professor at George Washington University Law School. Arguing the negative is Todd Wolfson, Professor at Rutgers University and President of the American Association of University Professors. This debate is moderated by Tony Blankley Fellow George Bogden.
00:00 - 04:00 - Opening Remarks
04:00 - 10:00 - Pre-Debate Poll
10:00 - 16:00 - Opening Statements by Jonathan Turley
16:00 - 23:00 - Opening Statements by Todd Wolfson
23:00 - 29:00 - Historical Perspective and the Validity of Athens as a Model for Universities
29:00 - 37:00 - Is Institutional Neutrality Impossible?
37:00 - 45:00 - Can Institutional Neutrality Protect Students from Feeling Unsafe on Campus?
45:00 - 50:00 - Discussing the Kalven Report
50:00 - 56:00 - Does Institutional Neutrality Require Apathy Toward Political Issues?
56:00 - 1:04:00 - Would a Lack of Institutional Neutrality Allow Politics to Become Involved in Higher Education Courses?
1:04:00 - 1:14:00 - Closing Statements
1:14:00 - 1:17:21 - Post-Debate Poll and Final Thoughts
