Restoring Freedom Of Speech And Ending Federal Censorship

January 20, 2025

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Purpose: Reaffirm the First Amendment rights by halting the previous administration’s censorship practices on online platforms, which suppressed constitutionally protected speech under the guise of combating misinformation.
Policy:
- Secure the right of free, constitutionally protected speech for all Americans.
- Ensure no Federal officer, employee, or resource is used to abridge these rights.
- Address and correct past governmental misconduct related to censorship.
Investigation and Remedial Actions:
- The Attorney General, in consultation with agency heads, will investigate the past 4 years of censorship activities.
- A report with recommendations for remedial actions will be submitted to the President via the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
General Provisions:
- Maintains the legal authority of executive departments and the functions of the Office of Management and Budget.
- Implementation is subject to the availability of appropriations and does not create enforceable rights against the United States.

The Executive Order aims to restore freedom of speech by ending federal censorship, which could impact how universities, including Vanderbilt, manage and moderate speech on their platforms. This may require a review of current policies to ensure compliance with the new federal stance on free speech.
There is a potential risk of increased scrutiny on university policies regarding speech and expression, particularly if they are perceived as restrictive. This could lead to legal challenges or public relations issues if not aligned with the federal directive.
The order’s emphasis on investigating past government censorship activities may lead to broader discussions and debates on campus about the balance between free speech and misinformation, potentially affecting campus climate and discourse.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how this order affects its partnerships with social media companies and other third parties, especially if these entities are involved in moderating content related to university activities.

Vanderbilt’s Office of General Counsel may need to review and possibly revise policies related to free speech and expression to ensure they align with the new federal guidelines.
The Department of Political Science could see increased interest in courses and research related to constitutional law, free speech, and government policy, providing opportunities for academic growth and public engagement.
Vanderbilt’s Communications and Marketing Department might need to adjust its strategies to navigate the changing landscape of speech and expression, particularly in digital and social media contexts.
The Center for Digital Humanities may find new opportunities to explore the implications of digital censorship and free speech in academic research and public discourse.

There may be minimal direct financial impact on Vanderbilt University, but potential legal costs could arise if the university’s policies are challenged under the new federal guidelines.
Opportunities for research funding may increase, particularly in areas related to free speech, digital rights, and government policy, as these topics gain prominence in public and academic discussions.
Vanderbilt may need to allocate resources to ensure compliance with the Executive Order, including potential investments in policy review and legal consultation.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Vanderbilt’s Office of Communications should review and update its policies on free speech and expression to ensure alignment with the new federal stance on protecting speech rights. This includes evaluating any existing partnerships with social media platforms to ensure they do not inadvertently suppress free speech.
The Department of Political Science should consider conducting research on the implications of this executive order for public discourse and the role of government in regulating speech. This research could position Vanderbilt as a thought leader in discussions about free speech and government policy.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Affairs Office should monitor the outcomes of the Attorney General’s investigation into past government censorship activities. Understanding these findings could help the university anticipate any legal or regulatory changes that might affect its operations or partnerships.

The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to develop courses or seminars focused on First Amendment rights and the evolving legal landscape surrounding free speech. This could attract students interested in constitutional law and civil liberties.
Vanderbilt can enhance its public engagement by hosting forums or debates on the topic of free speech and censorship, inviting experts, policymakers, and the public to discuss the implications of the executive order. This could strengthen the university’s role as a hub for civic discourse.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order suggests some adjustments to processes or procedures related to free speech policies and public engagement.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.4

N/A – The order specifies actions and investigation but does not designate any specific deadlines for implementation.

Relevance Score: 1

Attorney General (Department of Justice): Charged with investigating past Federal censorship activities and coordinating remedial actions throughout the government.
Executive Departments and Federal Agencies: The order prohibits all Federal departments, agencies, entities, officers, and employees from using taxpayer resources to censor protected speech, thereby affecting virtually the entire Federal Government.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Referenced for its role in ensuring that budgetary, administrative, and legislative processes remain consistent with the directives of the order.

Relevance Score: 5 (This order applies across the entire Federal Government, affecting a wide range of agencies and departments.)

Attorney General – Charged with investigating past instances of censorship and preparing a remedial report.
Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies – To be consulted by the Attorney General during the investigation.
Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy – Designated as the conduit for submitting the report to the President.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directs actions by Cabinet-level and White House officials with significant national relevance.)