Talia Barnes

Talia graduated from Dickinson College in 2017 with a B.A. in English and art and a minor in creative writing. Before joining FIRE, she spent three years as a multimedia specialist at Penn State University and a year as a resident artist at her alma mater, during which she completed two art exhibits and taught art classes to K-12 students. In college, Talia was photo editor of the student newspaper, The Dickinsonian, and spent summers contributing to TBR News Media, a local news organization on Long Island, as a freelance writer and photographer. Talia’s belief in the value of free expression is informed by her mindfulness practice and interest in psychology. Outside of work, you can find her doing some kind of art project, exploring local yard sales with her husband, or trying—with limited success—to walk her cat, Bo.
Recent Writings
- Uncompelling verdict: After 18-year legal battle, former student loses fight against college officials who tried to compel his speech,
- Approaching challenging ideas with resilience, not fear,
- Q&A: Amy Wax talks accusations and academic freedom in new FIRE webinar,
- Stanford Law School dean makes powerful commitment to free expression after shout-down controversy,
- FIRE’s Campus Scholars bring free speech culture to campus,
- Trinity Christian College skips the lesson on extramural speech, terminates prof’s employment for ‘unprofessional’ tweets,
- DEBATE: Do DEI statements undermine academic freedom?,
- UNC Chapel Hill trustees vote unanimously to establish School of Civic Life and Leadership,
- Replatforming: The key to canceling cancel culture?,
- Four resolutions for an expressive new year,

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