USM Forum on American Democracy – Free Speech, Civil Liberties, and the Future of Democracy: A Conversation with Nadine Strossen & President Edmondson

Nadine Strossen — Senior FIRE Fellow, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law Emerita at New York Law School, and former national ACLU President (1991–2008) — joins President Edmondson for a public dialogue on free expression, constitutional rights, and open inquiry. This session examines the pressing challenges to public discourse in the digital age, free speech under pressure, and how institutions and individuals can navigate today’s deeply polarized political landscape.

Please register for this program below.

About the USM Forum on American Democracy

The USM Forum on American Democracy is a year-long public series designed to engage the University of Southern Maine and the broader community in thoughtful conversations on the foundations and future of democratic society. Hosted by President Edmondson, the Forum invites multiple perspectives on timely civic topics through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and campus-wide engagement.

Each year, the Forum explores a central theme. For its second year, the focus is on freedom of speech – its foundational role in a democratic society, the modern challenges and protections surrounding it, and how we foster open, robust dialogue within our communities and campuses today.

By engaging voices from across campus, across ideologies, and across communities, the Forum seeks to deepen our collective understanding of democratic ideals. Whether you’re a student thinking about your role in shaping the future, an educator nurturing thoughtful dialogue, or a community member seeking unity in complexity, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to take part in building a democracy that works for all of us.

A thank you to the Pond Family Foundation, the sponsors of the USM Forum on American Democracy.