National Conference Offers Non-Partisan, Balanced Look at the First Amendment
Duquesne and The Pittsburgh Foundation—in cooperation with the National Constitution Center—will host the National Conference on the First Amendment: Bedrock of American Freedom on Sunday, Oct. 21, and Monday, Oct. 22, in the Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom in the Power Center.
The conference aims to provide a non-partisan, balanced look at the amendment that plays such a key role in all aspects of American life.
“At this moment in our nation’s history, it’s particularly important for Americans to rediscover the central role that the First Amendment plays in our democracy,” President Ken Gormley said. “All other freedoms under our Constitution are imperiled if fundamental First Amendment freedoms are undermined. With the help of some of the best minds in the country, this gathering can be a catalyst for positive change.”
The conference will include panel discussions on all aspects of the First Amendment, including freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and association. Experts will address the emergence of fake news and the influence of free speech as it impacts college campuses, national security, new technology and artistic expression.
“In this time of such sharp political and ideological differences, our most important role as a community foundation is to provide opportunities for people to gather to engage in respectful civic dialogue,” said Maxwell King, president and chief executive officer of The Pittsburgh Foundation. “Our partnership with Duquesne University on a national conference follows a regionally focused event co-hosted with The Heinz Endowments in June. We see these projects as critically important in bringing people with diverse perspectives together to protect democratic institutions and First Amendment freedoms by calling out threats that would undermine them.”
Moderators and speakers comprise nationally prominent leaders, including:
- Martin Baron, executive editor of the Washington Post
- Dean Baquet, executive editor of The New York Times
- Noel Francisco, U.S. solicitor general
- Tom Ridge, former U.S. secretary of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania governor
- General Mike Hayden, former CIA and NSA director
- First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams, author of the book The Soul of the First Amendment
- Television commentators Juan Williams and Hugh Hewitt.
In order to reach a national and global audience, the conference will be webcast. A variety of videos, podcasts and white papers will also be made available online following the event.
For more information about the conference and speakers, visit www.duq.edu/1a.