Passionate disagreements, divisive protests, insensitivity toward those who think differently and an increase in acts of violence demand focused discussion.
James Madison University is hosting a virtual event series of multi-industry panelists who think aloud about Freedom of Expression and applicable rights and responsibilities.
This series is sponsored by: Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and the Madison Center for Civic Engagement.
Session 1: Freedom of Expression, Public Speech and Speakers
January 24th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Facilitated by David Kirkpatrick, the interim executive director of the Madison Center for Civic Engagement, the session will feature guest panelist Kara Dillard, interim associate director of the Madison Center, and Madison Center fellows discussing topics such as free speech in the classroom and on campus; restrictions on free speech; time, place and manner restrictions; hate speech, using speech effectively, creating space to listen and talk across differences; understanding, different forms of engagement, and the right to peaceful assembly. Panelists will offer tools and practices for discussing the tensions between free speech and inclusivity on JMU’s campus.
Session 2: Personal Safety and Security, Weapons and Explosives
February 21st, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Facilitated by Malika Carter-Hoyt, the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, the session will feature guest panelists Art Dean, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Mark Young, director of emergency services management and the risk management department. They will be discussing topics such as creating space to listen and talk across differences; understanding, the right to peaceful assembly, with reference to circumstances in higher education history related to the use of substances designed or used to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate. For example, in 1970 Kent State University students were killed during a peace rally opposing the Vietnam War expansion and the National Guard presence on campus. Panelists will offer tools and things to consider in planning and thinking ahead.
Session 3: Discrimination and Harassment, Personal Code of Conduct
March 21st, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. via Zoom
Facilitated by Malika Carter-Hoyt, the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, the session will feature guest panelists Art Dean, associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, and Mark Young, director of emergency services management and the risk management department. They will be discussing topics such as long-lasting and detrimental effects of discrimination and harassment on individuals and our entire community, what is and how to report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, and JMU’s commitment to creating and maintaining a community in which we are free from all forms of harassment and discrimination and is consistent with college obligations under federal and state law.
Session 4: Political Activities, Demonstrations and Solicitation
April 4th, Session Cancelled
We regret that this session has been cancelled.
MSC 7611
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
