The emergence of a stable conservative majority has led to key decisions in areas long characterized by conflicted and plurality decisions. This term already has a number of major potential decisions to continue to build on that foundation in areas including gun rights, free speech, the Chevron Doctrine, and even the constitutional viability of the wealth tax.
It is always a pleasure to visit Villanova, which is one of our most unique academic institutions. It was founded by two Irish Augustinian friars in 1796 from Saint Augustine’s Church in Philadelphia. It is only one of two Augustinian institutions of higher learning in the United States with Merrimack College. It claims the title as the oldest Catholic University in Pennsylvania.
Villanova University’s Matthew J. Ryan Center for the Study of Free Institutions and the Public Good is the sponsor of today’s event. It is committed to civil and tolerant debate. I look forward to discussing these constitutional questions with the faculty and students today at Villanova University.