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 will convene experts for lively debate and thoughtful discourse about the tensions between hate speech and free speech.
Speech Limits in Public Life:
At the Intersection of Free Speech and Hate
- When: March 14-15, 2019
- Where: The University of Delaware
Watch Friday’s events live at https://sites.udel.edu/udlive/
Follow updates on Twitter at #slpl2019
Schedule of Events
Thursday, March 14 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Christian Picciolini presentation at Mitchell Hall on the University of Delaware campus, followed by book signing
Presentation of awards for top student winners of Voices Matter audio essay content
Friday, March 15 | 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday events will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 654 S. College Ave., Newark, DE 19713
8:30 Continental breakfast; Listening stations for top student winners of Voices Matter audio essay contest
9:00-10:15 Nadine Strossen & john a. powell – discuss whether more laws are necessary for responding to hate speech
10:25-11:25 Difficulties of responding to hate speech on college & university campuses
Panelists:
- Timothy Shiell, University of Wisconsin – Stout
- Rodney Smolla, Dean of Widener Law School
- Samantha Harris, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) Vice President of Policy Research
- Keith Whittington, Princeton University
11:35-12:35 Difficulties of responding to hate speech on digital platforms
Panelists:
- Emma Llanso, Free Expression Project director at Center for Democracy and Technology
- Brittan Heller, Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard
- Jessie Daniels, Hunter College and The Graduate Center at CUNY
12:40-2:00 Lunch with speaker Sara Wachter-Boettcher – author, Technically Wrong: Sexist Apps, Biased Algorithms, and Other Threats of Toxic Tech
2:00-2:15 Break
2:15-3:30 Non-legal responses to hate speech on college & university campuses
Panelists:
- Alex Amend, independent researcher on the far-right and former research director at the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project
- Deb Mashek, Heterodox Academy Executive Director
- Glyn Hughes, University of Richmond, Director of Common Ground
3:40- 4:55 Non-legal responses to hate speech on digital platforms
Panelists:
- Trisha Prabhu, creator of ReThink app
- Brittan Heller, Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard
- Carmen Scurato, Senior Policy Counsel, Free Press
- Brandi Collins-Dexter, Media, Democracy & Economic Justice Senior Campaign Director at Color of Change
5:00-6:30 Reception co-sponsored by Heterodox Academy
NOTE: Books authored by our featured speakers and panelists will be available for purchase throughout the day.