Alan Charles Kors, professor of history in the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, has been honored with the 2008 Bradley Prize by the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation for his original scholarship in European intellectual history and his defense of free speech.

Kors is one of four Bradley Prize recipients chosen for making “outstanding contributions” and “striving for excellence in their respective fields.” Each award carries a $250,000 stipend.

"We are delighted that Alan Kors' distinguished scholarship and his commitment to free speech have been recognized with this honor," Rebecca Bushnell, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said.

Kors’ activism on behalf of free speech on college campuses led to the publication of a co-authored 1998 book, “The Shadow University: The Betrayal of Liberty on America’s Campuses.” He co-founded the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and served pro-bono as its first president and chairman through 2005. He is currently chairman emeritus.

The awards will be presented at a June 4 ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1985, The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is devoted to strengthening American democratic capitalism and the institutions, principles and values that sustain and nurture it.