Legal experts and senior higher education leaders urged colleges to form coalitions and build legal capacity to defend campus speech and academic freedom, arguing institutions must respond more aggressively to government pressure and litigation. Panels at major governance gatherings stressed proactive policies, coordinated legal strategies, and trustee engagement. Guides for administrators also updated playbooks for handling speech controversies—from event security to class discussions—offering concrete steps on risk assessment, communications and adjudication. The materials aim to reduce ad hoc responses and align campus processes with constitutional and institutional commitments.