Deliberative Forum on Free Expression at Davidson: Rights and Responsibilities during an Uncertain Time

Deliberative Forum on Free Expression at Davidson: Rights and Responsibilities during an Uncertain Time

On April 23, 5–7 p.m. in the Lilly Gallery and online, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative is co-hosting a Deliberative Forum on “Free Expression at Davidson: Rights and Responsibilities during an Uncertain Time.”

The forum will begin with remarks by several speakers, including Ike Bailey (Professor of the Practice in Communication Studies), Melissa Gonzalez (Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies and Core Faculty in Gender & Sexuality Studies and Latin American Studies), Dan Layman (Associate Professor of Philosophy), Jim Martin (Former Associate Professor of Chemistry at Davidson and Former Governor of North Carolina), Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill (Director of the Campus Free Expression Project, Council of Independent Colleges), and Stacey Riemer (Interim Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students). The event will be moderated by Graham Bullock, Associate Professor of Political Science and Faculty Director of the DCI.

The speakers will explore why we value freedom of expression in a democratic society and in higher education, what are reasonable limits on our right to “free speech,” and how does and how should the College respond to concerns about the expression of particular viewpoints on campus. Audience members will then explore these topics with one another in roundtable and breakout room discussions, guided by the DCI’s trained facilitators and a deliberation guide developed for this event.

Food will be provided, and everyone is welcome to join. We only ask that participants stay for the full two hours and both listen to the speakers as well as participate in the audience conversations. Seats are limited so sign up today to reserve your spot and receive a copy of the deliberation guide in advance of the forum. Learn more and register.