Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Lecture

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Professor David M. Rabban, the Dahr Jamail, Randall Hage Jamail, and Robert Lee Jamail Regents Chair in Law and Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, will deliver a lecture on “The Meaning of Academic Freedom as a First Amendment Right of Universities.” Rabban has made substantial contributions to the fields of legal history and academic freedom, including his recent book Academic Freedom: From Professional Norm to First Amendment Right.

Founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Phi Beta Kappa is the oldest and most respected honorary society in the United States with chapters at 293 of the foremost institutions of higher education across the country. The organization recognizes and encourages a commitment to excellence in the liberal arts.

The Alpha of Nebraska Chapter was chartered at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1895 and elected its first members in 1896. The membership and activities of the organization have reflected their respective times. The local chapter has held meetings, sponsored occasional programs, talks, and lectures, and elected a full slate of new members.