Student Organizations and Campus Speech: Legal Considerations for Student Affairs
Includes a Live Web Event on 11/10/2026 at 2:00 PM (EST)
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As student organizations engage in campus dialogue, advocacy, events, and other forms of expression, student affairs professionals navigate an increasingly complex range of legal and institutional considerations. This briefing will bring together legal perspectives from the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) to explore how free speech and academic freedom considerations intersect with student organizations and what these issues mean for student affairs practice. Participants will gain timely insights into the legal landscape and considerations for supporting and advising student organizations during the fall semester.
Learning Outcomes:
After this briefing participants will be able to:
- Describe legal principles that shape student organization expression and activity on campus.
- Explain how free speech, academic freedom, institutional policies, and student organization rights and responsibilities intersect in practice.
- Distinguish the respective roles of student affairs professionals and campus counsel when navigating complex or contentious student organization issues.
- Identify practical considerations for advising student organizations, responding to controversial events or speakers, and applying institutional policies consistently.
- Apply relevant questions, considerations, and strategies when navigating student organization and campus speech issues on their campuses.
Chris Pastore
Senior Associate General Counsel
University of Arizona
Chris Pastore joined the University of Arizona Office of the General Counsel in September 2019. His practice areas include employment (staff and faculty), compliance, student affairs, first amendment, and collegiate athletics.
Prior to joining the University, Mr. Pastore was Of Counsel at Ogletree Deakins, an international labor and employment law firm, where he represented employers in state and federal lawsuits and in administrative investigations and litigation. Mr. Pastore also provided advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of employment law matters, with an emphasis on occupational safety and health.
Mr. Pastore earned his law degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2008 and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arizona in 2004. Mr. Pastore is a member of the State Bars of Arizona and Nevada and is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
Chrissy Lieberman
Dean of Students
University of Arizona
Chrissy Lieberman is the Dean of Students at the University of Arizona. She joined the Dean of Students Office in 2012 as an associate dean overseeing Student Assistance & Accountability and was appointed Dean of Students in Spring 2025 after serving in the role as interim during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Lieberman plays a pivotal leadership role in campus health and safety and fostering an environment that emphasizes community and well-being. In her role, she offers leadership for the campus community in navigating the First Amendment, conflict management, critical incidents, behavioral intervention, student rights and responsibilities, restorative practice, and student well-being. The Dean of Students Office also provides recognition and support for hundreds of student organizations and leadership and engagement opportunities across the university.
A first-generation student and two-time University of Arizona graduate, Lieberman holds a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Art Education. She is committed to fostering a campus culture where students can excel academically, socially, and personally.