Southwestern University 2020 Annual Report

12 On March 2–3, 2020, Southwestern University hosted the Civil Discourse Festival, a new event designed to develop a campus culture that promotes and encourages civic engagement. The festival was organized by the SU Project for Civil Discourse, which hosts programs that support productive political discussion on campus, elevate silenced voices, and encourage empathetic listening. Nadine Strossen, a leading expert in constitutional law and human rights who was the first woman and the youngest person to lead the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), headlined the two-day event. Strossen spoke on the topic of hate speech, discussing why Supreme Court justices, digital-media Celebrating Civil Discourse companies, racial-justice advocates, and human-rights activists have all argued against censoring hate speech in the name of promoting equality, dignity, diversity, inclusivity, and societal harmony. Following Strossen’s lecture, attendees enjoyed live music and visited booths set up by various student organizations on the Academic Mall. Staff from the Center for Career & Professional Development were on hand to discuss opportunities for students to engage in internships related to politics, policy, and law, and MOVE TEXAS, a nonpartisan, nonprofit, grassroots organization registered students and other community members to vote. The festival, which was free and open to the public, culminated in an election watch party on Super Tuesday.