* Collage Description at the bottom of the page
Hosted by President Jacqueline Edmondson, University of Southern Maine (USM)
2026–2027 Series: A Focus on Free Speech
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.
September 9, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center
Foundations of Free Expression
Keynote with Dr. Jonathan Friedman
Dr. Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America, will launch the second year of the Forum series with a keynote addressing the critical role of freedom of speech in American democracy. Drawing from extensive work in advocacy and public discourse, Friedman will explore how protecting free expression strengthens civil society and empowers universities like USM to remain vibrant centers for open inquiry and intellectual growth.
TENTATIVE – November 4 / November 18, 2026
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center
Journalism, Truth, and Free Speech in the Modern Era
Lecturer TBA
Join us for a dynamic dialogue exploring the vital intersection of a free press and freedom of speech. This session will examine the challenges of public discourse in the digital age, the evolving role of journalism, and how modern media institutions navigate today’s complex and deeply polarized information landscape.
February 3, 2027
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center
A Perspective on Freedom of Speech in Higher Education
A Discussion Led by USM Faculty
Join us for a continuing conversation on freedom of speech—this time with a focus on our own academic and regional community. USM faculty from across disciplines will share their insights on how principles of free expression apply in our local context, balancing big ideas with the lived experiences, academic responsibilities, and civic duties of our campus community.
March 24, 2027
5:00 – 6:30 PM | Hannaford Hall, Abromson Center
The Voices of Future Leaders
Student Perspectives on Free Speech and Democracy in America
Join us for a final evening centered on the voices of USM students as they share their insights on what freedom of speech means to their generation. This culminating conversation will be curated and led by the Forum Scholars—USM students nominated by each college’s dean for their interest in democracy and leadership, who have participated in a year-long seminar with President Edmondson.
USM Forum on American Democracy: The Archive
A look back at the voices, debates, and ideas that shaped our campus dialogue on democracy and civic engagement during the last academic year:
2025–2026 Forum on American Democracy: A Focus on Pluralism
* Collage Description from the top of the page:
(top left) 11/5/25 Forum Raj Vinnakota and President Edmondson onstage; (bottom left) 9/3/25 Forum audience members; (top middle) 3/25/26 Student Forum: students hosts on stage: Chris Mejias, Djino Kavula Nzau, Mia Noon, Justin Gibbons, Ashley Gonzalez; (bottom middle left) 9/3/25 Forum USM students attending a reception for Eboo Patel; (bottom middle right) 9/3/25 Forum President Edmondson smiling, sitting among audience members during the forum; (right) 9/3/25 Forum Eboo Patel presenting onstage, gesturing toward the slide screen.