An esteemed and impassioned leader, Ann Atkinson boldly joined the crusade against the chilling of free speech in higher education. Ms. Atkinson advocates for our universities to uphold cultures of robust and uninhibited speech, and to restore a single standard of free expression – for all. In June 2023, her Wall Street Journal OpEd, “I Paid for Free Speech at Arizona State” garnered widespread attention, going viral for its firsthand account of the retribution, retaliation, and job loss faced by those in the ideological minority. Despite those challenges, Ms. Atkinson remains steadfast in her mission. Ms. Atkinson’s advocacy focuses on increasing awareness of the free speech crisis in higher ed and revealing the tactics educators use to undermine even the most robust free speech policies. She is also working with the legislature to achieve policy solutions that hold universities accountable. Finally, she is working with students on the issue of free speech, helping them learn how to stand up in support of an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive without fear of selective retribution.