You Can’t Talk about That! Managing Controversial Topics in the Management Classroom

Recent high-profile disputes over grading, academic freedom, and alleged viewpoint discrimination have increased uncertainty among faculty, graduate instructors, and administrators about how to handle controversial topics in the classroom. While management educators are frequently encouraged to foster open dialogue around values, identity, ethics, and social systems, the boundaries between evaluating academic quality and judging beliefs have become increasingly contested. This roundtable addresses the growing tension between pedagogical rigor, freedom of expression, and institutional risk management.