Turley To Speak At Colgate University On Free Speech

Today I have the honor of speaking to Colgate University on the erosion of free speech in the United States.  I will first address a class on the separation of powers before giving a lecture as part of the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization at Colgate University. The lecture is entitled “The American Anti-Free Speech Movement from Anti–Sedition to Anti-Fascism.” The program is designed to run from 4:30 – 6:00.

Here is the description from Colgate:

“In his lecture, Professor Turley will explore the evolution of free speech in the United States from the Early Republic to the current times. He will address how anti-free speech sentiments have remained part of our country like “a dormant virus” that emerges in different forms from anti-sedition to anti–fascism causes. In his view, the threat to free speech has never been greater in the United States with a growing anti-free speech movement emerging on our campuses and streets.”

I regret that with the pandemic I am unable to visit Colgate, which has a stunning campus in Hamilton, New York.  I did want to note one connection between our schools.  What Colgate (the Hamilton) was still developing in 1844, degrees for 45 B.A. students and one Master’s candidate were awarded by George Washington University (then known as the Columbian College).