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DALLAS TWP. — An open discussion on the right to free speech will be held at Misericordia University on Thursday, Nov. 16.
The “Food for Thought” forum, sponsored by the Living Philosophy Project and Department of Philosophy at Misericordia University, is designed to foster a conversation about the right to free speech and how it may differ on and off college campuses, said Melanie Shepherd, the school’s philosophy chair.
“This is a time to reflect on this issue more deeply,” she said.
The free public event will start with a reception at 4:30 p.m. and the discussion will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Catherine Evans McGowan Room of the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library at Misericordia, 301 Lake St., Dallas Township.
Forum discussions can attract up to 50 people, Shepherd said. Seating is limited, and reservations are required. To reserve a seat, email Rita Molino at [email protected] or call 570-674-8184.
Attendees will be presented with the following three questions:
• Why is free speech important?
• What are the reasons and motivation for free speech?
• When does free speech become hate speech?
Shepherd wants to create a dialogue among students, faculty and the public.
“It is a timely issue,” Shepherd said, noting she heard of professors recently being suspended for expressing their “political left opinions.”
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, a nonprofit organization that was established in 1999 to uphold civil rights in the academic community, has received 20 cases since January involving claims of free speech violations on college campuses nationwide.
The rules for free speech are different depending on the “spheres you are in, such as political versus college campus realm,” Shepherd explained.