Free Speech Conference

First Amendment experts convene on March 14 to 15

JANUARY 4, 2019 – From white nationalist demonstrations to viral memes, from political discourse to online trolls, hate speech is everywhere. Contrary to what many think, the First Amendment protects most hate speech in the United States. Can we respond in ways that combat the harms of hate speech and respect free expression rights?

The University of Delaware hosts a public event to discuss these and other issues on March 14 to 15, 2019. Entitled “Speech Limits in Public Life: At the Intersection of Free Speech and Hate,” the conference brings together experts for lively debate and thoughtful discourse.

Guest speaker Christian Picciolini kicks off the conference with a public event at Mitchell Hall Auditorium on Thursday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the community. Picciolini, an award-winning television producer, public speaker, author, peace advocate, and a former violent extremist, left the white-supremacist movement more than two decades ago and now dedicates himself to helping others overcome hate. He has spoken all over the world, including on the TEDx stage, sharing his unique and extensive knowledge and teaching all who are willing to learn about building greater peace through empathy and compassion.

The full program begins on Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Embassy Suites Newark. Academic and legal experts will discuss whether more laws are needed and how to effectively respond to hate speech on college campuses and digital platforms. Featured speakers are Nadine Strossen, john a. powell and Safiya Umoja Noble. Books authored by the featured speakers and panelists will be available for purchase throughout the day. The early registration fee is $30, and on-site registration is $50. Registration is free and open to high school and college students and faculty and staff of the University of Delaware. Please visit slpl2019.org for details. For more information, contact the conference organizer, Dr. Jennifer Lambe, at [email protected] Dr. Lambe is an associate professor of communication at the University of Delaware.

“Speech Limits in Public Life” has been made possible with support from the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University and the University of Delaware’s Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, the Class of ?55 Ethics Endowment Fund, College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office, and the Department of Communication. Co-sponsors are the Heterodox Academy and the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication.