The Record

Free speech, judicial independence in revolution

The right to free speech and judicial independence — two of the nation’s foundational values — were born of the founders’ distrust of unchecked power, according to WashU Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, an expert in judicial politics.

Why the First Amendment’s right of assembly still matters

WashU’s John Inazu argues that the ability to gather with others is essential to a healthy democracy — particularly at a time of deep social and political division. He took part in a special John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics course about 1776.

How Jefferson’s Quran became test case for religious liberty

Islam scholar Tazeen Ali says Thomas Jefferson’s Quran confronts us with a key question: Will the promises of 1776 stop at the edge of our own religion, or will they extend to Muslims and beyond?

Why Did the Colonies Declare Independence?

People join movements for many reasons. The American Revolution was no different, says Peter Kastor, professor of history. “They all agree on liberty. They disagree on what it means.”

Notables

At the WashU Office of Technology Management’s annual Celebration of Inventors, WashU Medicine researchers Graham Colditz and Shu (Joy) Jiang were honored for developing and commercializing a technology to predict breast cancer risk.

Notables

Katherine Kirchdorfer, an undergraduate student in WashU Arts & Sciences, has been selected as a 2026-27 Lafayette Fellow by Villa Albertine, The French Institute for Culture and Education.

Research Wire

The WashU Brown School’s Social System Design Lab has received a Spencer Foundation grant to study pathways from high school to careers in St. Louis.

Announcements

WashU PD active shooter drill July 9

The Washington University Police Department (WashU PD) will conduct an active threat training exercise July 9 on the South 40 area of the Danforth Campus.