Liberty Series: Hate Speech and the First Amendment

Is hate speech protected under the First Amendment? How can a country survive if the expression of hatred towards our fellow citizens is safeguarded? Over our country’s history the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence on hate speech has evolved through several landmark cases, including decisions on flag and cross burning. Where has the Court “drawn the line” and boundary between protected and punishable expression under the First Amendment? In contrast to Europe’s more restrictive policy, America maintains a less restrictive approach to feared, disturbing, and hateful speech. Joseph Fornieri, Professor of Political Science at Rochester Institute of Technology, explores the Supreme Court’s evolving interpretation of controversial cases.

The Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board has approved this symposium for a Substantive CLE credit. This credit will be provided by the Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy at Villanova University. Attendees seeking CLE credit must attend in person and complete additional forms at the event to qualify for the credit.

This program will be hosted in-person at Liberty Hill. Registration is required.

Reception: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm
End of Program: 7:30pm

Streaming: Unless requested otherwise by the speaker, Founding Forward programs are streamed via YouTube. Click here to find the livestream (live at 6:30pm the day of the event). Virtual viewing does not require registration.