Michelle N. Deutchman is the executive director of the University California (UC) National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. Formed by the UC Office of the President, the Center explores how the fundamental democratic and academic principles of free speech and civic engagement should enrich the discovery and transmission of knowledge in America’s colleges and universities. In this role, Deutchman oversees a multidisciplinary national fellowship program and works across all 10 UC campuses to study and shape national discourse about free speech. Before joining the Center, Deutchman served as the Western States Civil Rights Counsel and National Campus Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a non-profit organization that has been a leader in combating bigotry, prejudice, and anti-Semitism for over a century. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Law Center and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley.

Daryl Lowe is the associate vice president of Students Affairs at Spelman College. Prior to his appointment, he served as the assistant vice president and dean of students at Valdosta State University, in which he was the first African American ever to hold that post. Lowe is very passionate about the student experience and development and is considered a thought leader on issues related to Title IX, Student Conduct, and Equity. Lowe graduated from Morehouse College with a BA in Philosophy. He later earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Massachusetts School of Law at Dartmouth

Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill is the director of the BPC Campus Free Expression Project. Prior to joining BPC, Merrill was the executive director of the Fund for Academic Renewal, a program of the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. Earlier in her career, Merrill served on the faculties of St. John’s College (Annapolis), known for its Great Books curriculum, and the College of William & Mary. She has also taught at Duke University, the University of Calgary, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and in the college program at Maryland’s only prison for women. Her articles and essays have appeared in venues including Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and Perspectives on Political Science. Merrill earned her BA (First Class Honours) from the University of Calgary and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke University.