free speech

Tag: free speech

Dangerous Speech Project researcher leads Polvony series presentation

The benefits, costs and limits of free speech as well as the social consequences when the limits of free speech are violated will be examined in a Lawrence University presentation.

Cathy Buerger
Cathy Buerger

Cathy Buerger, a research and communications associate with the Dangerous Speech Project, presents “Dangerous Speech: A Global Perspective” Monday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Warch Campus Center cinema. The event is free and open to the public.

Any form of expression — speech, text or images — that has the potential to increase the risk that its audience will condone or participate in violence against members of another group is considered dangerous speech. The term grew out of observations that divisive rhetoric rises steadily before outbreaks of mass violence. The dangerous speech often is similar regardless of country, culture or historical period.

Buerger, who serves as managing editor of the Journal of Human Rights, joined the Dangerous Speech Project last September. Her research with the DSP focuses on global responses to dangerous and hateful speech as well as the process of identity formation among those who choose to respond to such speech.

Beyond her work with the DSP, Buerger is also a research affiliate with the Economic and Social Rights Research Group at the University of Connecticut, where she earned a Ph.D. in anthropology.

Buerger’s appearance is part of the Povolny Lecture Series in International Studies. Named in honor of long-time Lawrence government professor Mojmir Povolny, the series promotes interest and discussion on issues of moral significance and ethical dimensions. It is presented in collaboration with the office of diversity and inclusion.

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

 

 

History of the ACLU focus of government department presentation

Historian Judy Kutulas offers a historical perspective to help explain why Americans tend to confuse the American Civil Liberty Union’s apolitical intention with a partisan point of view in a Lawrence University government colloquium.

Historian Judy Katulas
Judy Katulas

Kutulas presents “The American Civil Liberties Union and Free Speech: A Brief History” Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Wriston Art Center auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

A professor of history at St. Olaf College, Kutulas is the author of three books, including 2006’s  The American Civil Liberties Union and the Transformation of American Liberalism, in which she traces the history of the ACLU from 1930 to 1960 and examines how it evolved from a fringe organization into American society’s liberal mainstream.

She also has written The Long War: The Intellectual People’s Front and Anti-Stalinism, 1930-1940 and explored popular culture in After Aquarius Dawned, which was published earlier this year.

A California native, Kutulas earned a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s and doctorate degree in history from UCLA.

Kutulas’ presentation is jointly sponsored by the Lawrence government department and the UW-Stout Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation

About Lawrence University
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.