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This April, more than 50 judges from �����鶹��ѿ�and across the nation will take part in the sixth annual Regents’ Cup at Northern �����鶹��ѿ�University. Representing a diverse range of backgrounds and professions, including the business community, policymakers, academics, elected and appointed officials, and media professionals, these judges bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to the competition.  

Regents’ Cup judges are instrumental in shaping the event’s success. Before competition day, they undergo training in Oxford-style debate, storytelling and moderating to ensure the competition will be a fair, impartial and engaging experience that upholds the values of freedom of speech, diversity of thought and open dialogue.

As the �����鶹��ѿ� gears up for this year’s Regents’ Cup, judges were asked what free speech, civil discourse and democratic engagement means to them. Their responses offer valuable insight into the power of dialogue and debate. Find below a sampling of some of their most compelling thoughts. To read their full responses to the questions below, you can find more here. 

Who is your favorite free expression hero? 

• “Georgia congressman John Lewis put his life on the line again and again in pursuit of protecting and expanding the uniquely American principles of freedom of expression.” – Austin Aslan, City of Flagstaff Council Member
• “I’m most inspired by Ida B. Wells, who quite literally risked her life to speak truth to power as a journalist and activist. We have a mural of Wells in FIRE’s office, and I love that it’s the first thing I see when I walk in the door.” – Laura Beltz, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression Director of Policy Reform
• “Don Bolles, a reporter for The �����鶹��ѿ�Republic, was known for his fearless investigative journalism, particularly in uncovering corruption and organized crime in Arizona.” – Rep. Selina Bliss, �����鶹��ѿ�State House of Representatives, Legislative District One
• “George Orwell - British journalist and author who more clearly than most elucidated the importance of free thought and speech and the dangers of government censorship, exemplified by the quote: ‘If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.’” – David Engelthaler, Health Observatory at �����鶹��ѿ�State University Executive Director, TGen North Professor and Director
• “César Chávez. As the daughter and granddaughter of migrant farm workers growing up in Yuma, Ariz., Chávez’s leadership as a labor leader and civil rights activist deeply resonates with my personal story and leadership journey. He harnessed the power of nonviolent protest and grassroots organizing to advocate for farm workers’ rights, educational opportunity and economic justice. His unwavering commitment to justice exemplifies how free expression can be a powerful tool to challenge inequities and uplift communities.” – Stephanie Parra, ALL in Education CEO
• “Two people who I dearly admire and respect are Indian comedian Vir Das and Indian journalist Rana Ayyub. Das I love for his ability to freely express his views and perspectives on the current state and culture of India while the right-wing, conservative political party ruling the government tries time and time again to squash the left-leaning voices. Ayyub, similarly, has done groundbreaking work in political journalism targeted at uncovering the religious politics led by the ruling party despite innumerable life threats thrown at her from the people in power. Both, while operating in different spaces, continue to speak the truth and do not shy away from courage in these difficult times where free expression in India isn’t as easy as before.” – Prerana Sannappanavar, �����鶹��ѿ�Daily Star Higher Education Reporter

What does free speech mean to you? 

• “Whether in business, community service or entrepreneurship, I see freedom of speech as a tool for connection, engagement and progress.” – Tara Barrera, Tucson Electric Power and UniSource Energy Services Community Program Coordinator
• “At its core, free speech means that all voices – especially those we disagree with – have the right to be heard. It is not just about protecting popular opinions but about safeguarding dissent, fostering critical thinking and ensuring that truth is tested in the marketplace of ideas.” – Richard Bowen, Genterra Senior Vice President
• “The ability to speak your conscience, to speak counter to a popular opinion – but to also be held accountable for truthfulness and consequences.” – Becky Daggett, Flagstaff Mayor
• “Tolerance. I believe that, even if people do not agree, there should be an ability for all to discuss disagreements and work to ensure even unpopular views are able to be aired (of course not if it causes physical harm, criminality etc.)” – Beth Daley, The Conversation U.S. Executive Editor and General Manager
• “Free speech means I get to be me and you get to be you without either of us dictating terms of who or how to be.” – Anne Newland, North Country HealthCare CEO
• “For me, using the power of speech wisely, and making sure that any discourse is constructive, evidence-based and inclusive, rather than harmful or misleading. As a lawmaker and someone who has built strong community relationships, free speech is also about listening and allowing people to share their lived experiences, and ensuring that diverse voices shape meaningful conversations and policies.” – Rep. Betty Villegas, �����鶹��ѿ�State Representative, Legislative District 20

Why are you eager to participate as a judge in the Regents’ Cup? 

• “We are in a critical time in our nation’s history where young people must exercise their right to free speech, and I would love to partake in this opportunity as a judge to experience what great work the students are doing at our public universities.” – Rep. Cesar Aguilar, �����鶹��ѿ�House of Representatives, Legislative District 26
• “The ability to promote discussion, debate perspectives and concede to the fact that we may agree to disagree, creates an environment of critical thinkers and active listeners, and I enjoy camping out on both sides of the arena.” – Efrain Casillas, 2024 �����鶹��ѿ�Teacher of the Year, Tolleson Elementary School District
• “I am eager serve as a judge again because I find it to be such an inspiring and hopeful experience. The students are amazing and inspiring. It is exciting to know that these young people who do such a magnificent job in their presentations are the next generation who will lead us into a better world.” – Sybil Francis, Center for the Future of �����鶹��ѿ�Chair, President and CEO
• “The �����鶹��ѿ�Regents’ Cup fosters the kind of civil, rigorous debate that is essential for a thriving democracy. At a time when polarization threatens productive discourse, this competition reminds us that ideas should be tested through reason, not silenced through force.” – Liam Julian, Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy Vice President of Programs and Public Policy
• “Americans need more models of civil discourse and reasoned debate in order to advance both individual development and responsible citizenship.” – Adam Kissel, The Heritage Foundation Visiting Fellow for Higher Education Reform
• “Since the Regents’ Cup began, I’ve had the honor of participating in all but one. I enjoy seeing the talent of our students and knowing that these are the leaders of tomorrow.” – LuAnn Leonard, former Regent, retired Hopi Education Endowment Fund Executive Director
• “I think it is incredibly important to understand the role of our unique form of government in governing for the common good while retaining individual rights. It is not an easy task to come to a negotiated compromise. No decision is exactly what any group wants but should satisfy an uneasy balance.” – Lyndel Manson, former Regent
• “The Regents’ Cup is a unique opportunity to see how well our university students are grappling with ideas that matter and demonstrate how they think about them. It is inspiring - and humbling!” – Hon. William Montgomery, �����鶹��ѿ�Supreme Court Justice
• “The students are wrestling with important questions and they are a delight to watch as they do so.” – Henry Olsen, Ethics and Public Policy Center Senior Fellow
• “Given the current atmosphere of national and international political realities we are facing, the theme of ‘The Government and the People: The Social Contract,’ could not be timelier. What excites me most is the opportunity to learn what our future policymakers, given the wide variety of majors represented on the teams, see the future.” – Steve Peru, retired Coconino County Manager
• “I’m excited to learn from each participant and to help play a small role in developing the human collective.” – Steve Vargas, W.L. Gore and Associates, Inc. Medical Products Global Sales Operations Leader