Institutions of higher education are rigorously reviewing campus security protocols for controversial speakers following last month’s assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Campus events featuring presenters with polarizing viewpoints have revealed critical vulnerabilities in college safety measures, emphasizing the urgent need for specialized university security protocols.
Effective university safety relies on comprehensive security planning, including advanced intelligence gathering, behavioral threat assessment, and crowd management — all while upholding free speech protections and academic freedom.
CS@EDspaces Expert Panel to Address Campus Security for Events With Controversial Speakers
The 2025 Campus Safety at EDspaces Conference will feature a high-impact session, “Guarding the Dialogue: Protecting People, Principles and Campus Integrity,” dedicated to campus security for controversial speakers. Scheduled for November 6 from 8-9 a.m., this session will emphasize free speech protection and higher education security protocols.
Presenting the session are two esteemed university security experts:
- Mike Matranga, former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent with extensive experience in campus security strategy and presidential protection
- Tim Reboulet, retired Senior Special Agent, also with a background in safeguarding dignitaries and advising on university safety procedures
Practical Framework for Campus Security Protocols
The expert panel will share real-world case studies from politically sensitive campus events, illustrating best practices in university safety for controversial speakers. Key topics include implementing effective higher education security protocols, coordinating with local law enforcement, and reducing both physical and reputational risks. These strategies are vital for maintaining institutional commitments to free speech protection.
Attendees will gain access to a practical security framework, adaptable for higher education institutions of all sizes and resources, to enhance campus security and support free speech.
CS@EDspaces Conference Details
Campus Safety at EDspaces takes place November 5-7 in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is open for higher education administrators, campus safety personnel, and security professionals focused on university safety and controversial speakers.
As polarization intensifies, the conference will address the growing demand for advanced campus security strategies, prioritizing the protection of controversial speakers, robust higher education security protocols, and university commitments to free speech protection on campus.
For more information on Campus Safety at EDspaces and to register for this show, visit CampusSafetyConference.com.
