About the Event
In today’s highly polarized climate, universities have become central to the debate on free speech. In our diverse academic communities individuals hold differing and sometimes clashing views on pressing issues like Presidential politics and conflicts in the Middle East. These topics, sometimes accompanied by protests, test our commitment to core values such as intellectual freedom, diversity of thought, tolerance, justice, truth, belonging, human rights and even democracy.
This event will examine the challenges and opportunities of balancing free expression, including the right to protest, with the need to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment.
This event will be seated on a first-come basis and your Law School MCard will be required for entry.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Professor Ekow N. Yankah and feature Professors Karima Bennoune, Jack Bernard, and Don Herzog, who will offer their insights into the role of free speech in fostering intellectual diversity and promoting civil discourse, as well as a comparative perspective on how international human rights law addresses issues of free speech and assembly.
Topics will include the boundaries of speech on campus, the impact of controversial speakers and protests, and the responsibility of institutions to protect both individual expression and the rights of marginalized communities.
