News

University of Galway School of Law held its Annual Distinguished Lecture on Tuesday, 18th November in the ILAS Building Auditorium, welcoming faculty, legal professionals and members of the public to a timely and thought-provoking address.

The guest lecturer, William M. Treanor, Agnes Williams Sesquicentennial Professor of Constitutional Law and Constitutional History and Dean Emeritus of Georgetown University Law Center (Washington, D.C.), delivered a keynote entitled “The US Government’s Challenge to Universities: The Attack on University Curricula”.

Professor Treanor explored recent developments in U.S. government policy and political discourse with respect to university governance, academic freedom and curriculum content.

He examined the implications for higher-education institutions both in the U.S. and internationally, emphasising the interconnected nature of legal, social and political pressures facing universities today.

The address also reflected on potential lessons for Irish and European legal-education institutions — including University of Galway — as they navigate issues of autonomy, academic integrity and curriculum design.

The event was open to members of the public, students and colleagues, and concluded with a networking reception to facilitate further discussion and engagement.

This lecture continues the School of Law’s long-standing Annual Distinguished Lecture series, which brings leading international scholars, practitioners, and public figures to Galway to engage with contemporary legal and public-policy issues.

Dean of University of Galway School of Law, Professor Martin Hogg, said: "We were greatly honoured that Professor Treanor was our Annual Distinguished Lecturer for 2025. He delivered a very powerful message about the defence of academic freedom in the face of threats of governmental interference, a message which made a profound impact on his audience. His leadership in higher education continues to be inspirational."