Known as “the First Amendment Lawyer,” Floyd Abrams has been shaping the landscape of free expression since the 1960s. His landmark cases, from the Pentagon Papers to Clearview AI, have been critical in defining “free speech” for Americans across the country. Abrams has argued a record-breaking 13 cases before the Supreme Court and, most recently, was named a PBS American Master.

Mr. Abrams’ remarks will be followed by an engaging and spirited Q&A with our President of the Board of Trustees, Hutch Pegler.

Floyd Abrams is a distinguished attorney and Senior Counsel at Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP, where he specializes in high-profile trial and appellate cases, particularly in the realms of the First Amendment, securities litigation, intellectual property, public policy, and regulatory issues.

Renowned for his extensive experience, Abrams has argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court, covering a wide array of legal issues such as the First Amendment, ERISA, broadcast regulation, copyright law, and the Miranda rule. His notable victories include successfully defending Senator Mitch McConnell in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, affirming the rights of corporations and unions to engage in political discourse.

"Judy Blume Forever" is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and enduring legacy of the trailblazing author, Judy Blume. Known for her unapologetic honesty, Blume's groundbreaking novels revolutionized the way millions of readers, especially adolescents, understood themselves and their experiences. Her fearless commitment to openly discussing taboo subjects challenged societal norms and sparked essential conversations about book banning, censorship, and teen develpoment.

Join us for an enlightening evening as we celebrate Judy Blume's enduring impact and engage in a meaningful discussion about the vital issues of intellectual freedom and free expression. Mark your calendars and be part of this enriching cinematic and intellectual experience!

Starring: Judy Blume, Lena Dunham, Anna Konkle, Molly Ringwald, Samantha Bee, Mary H.K. Choi, Jacqueline Woodson, and Alex Gino.

This movie is 1 hour and 37 minutes and is rated 16+.

Does America have a “Free Speech Problem” – a disposition for “social silencing” as the New York Times recently wondered? Are we in the throes of “de-pluralizing” contemporary American society, where “canceling” those who disagree with us is simply the way we conduct our business? Have we lost sight of the importance of a free and open marketplace of ideas?

This program will explore the evolution of the right to free expression in the United States, from the Founders’ belief that liberty lay at the cornerstone of a free society, through the 20th century where its standing waxed and waned, to the current moment where book banning and the “revisiting” of America’s brutal past are commonplace. We’ll examine the words and meaning of the Bill of Rights, the implications and consequences of legal decisions, and the possibilities and hopes for a freer future.

Beau Breslin, is the Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Professor of Government at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY. He holds a Ph.D. in constitutional theory/American politics from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Hobart College. He has written extensively on the U.S. Constitution, the right to free expression, and the death penalty. His latest book, A Constitution for the Living: Imaging How Five Generations of Americans Would Rewrite the Nation’s Fundamental Law), has won several awards.

He is currently working on a monograph that considers what was lost when critical sections of America’s Founding-era documents (the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, and so on) were edited and redacted because of political sensitivities.

Speakers barred from college campuses. Intellectual discourse and diversity of perspectives shut down. Books being banned from schools and public libraries. Over the past few years, there have been increasing reports of censorship and attempts to limit free speech and access to materials and ideas. What is happening nationwide, and what does it mean for the future?

A legal expert and advocate on intellectual freedom and civil liberty will offer a national perspective, describe why and how advocacy groups are responding, and answer questions and concerns about the complex intersections of rights, ideology, and the role of public institutions.

Aaron Terr, J.D., is the Director of Public Advocacy at FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), which has served as the nation’s leading defender of fundamental rights on college campuses for over two decades. In 2022, FIRE expanded its mission into off-campus free speech advocacy and legal defense.

Aaron Terr is a native of Long Island, New York, and graduated from Vassar College in 2007. He went on to attend the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review. After earning his J.D. in 2012, Aaron worked as a judicial clerk and then as a staff attorney at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. A former volunteer for the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Aaron has a longstanding interest in civil liberties.