As political and civic debate continues to raise questions about the boundaries of free expression on college campuses and throughout American society, the University of Southern Maine is launching the second year of its Forum on American Democracy with a keynote exploring the foundations of free expression.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Jonathan Friedman, the Sy Syms managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America, will open the series with a keynote address on the role of universities in fostering a culture of open inquiry, thoughtful disagreement, and engagement across differences.
“I’m not naive to believe that everyone in the audience is going to agree with me, nor should they,” said Friedman. “But if we can get a whole bunch of people to think a little more deeply about this, to complicate their own notions, and to approach these questions with the nuance they deserve, then I think that is a net positive.”
USM President Jacqueline Edmondson launched the inaugural Forum on American Democracy in 2025 with a focus on pluralism. Edmondson, who hosts the Forum, said public universities have a responsibility to bring people together to explore issues critical to our times and create space for meaningful civic dialogue across differences.
“I believe we owe one another the capacity to listen, disagree, question, and remain in relationship with people whose views we may reject,” said Edmondson. “We also owe one another respect and a commitment to embracing our shared humanity.”
EVENT: USM Forum on American Democracy: Foundations of Free Expression
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hannaford Hall, Abromson Community Education Center, 88 Bedford St., Portland
The event is free and open to the public, though advance registration is required.
Interested in exploring these themes further? Dr. Friedman compiled a reading list to accompany the Forum.