Experts to discuss freedom of speech during Nov. 8 event at ECC
Elgin Community College will host part two of its "Targets of Hate" series: "Hate Speech and Freedom of Speech," a conversation about the intricacies of the First Amendment, on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the college's Spartan Auditorium in Building G, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
A panel of experts will discuss the First Amendment and the highly debated topic of what is considered hate speech versus one exercising their right to freedom of speech.
The experts include Junaid M. Afeef, J.D., director of Targeted Violence Prevention Program - Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, State of Illinois; Wayne B. Giampietro, J.D., First Amendment Lawyers Association; Laura Haske, J.D., ECC paralegal professor; and Jeffrey Moore, agent, FBI, Chicago Office.
The event is sponsored by the ECC Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC), which has developed a cohesive series of out-of-class, campus-wide learning conversations for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the community.
Part one of the "Targets of Hate" series, "Confederate Flag and Monuments: Why Are They a Big Deal?," took place on Sept. 13, where ECC's history professors provided historical perspectives surrounding the controversy.
"MAGIC believes in the importance of having programs that address contemporary events related to multicultural and global topics, especially those relevant to our community," said ECC Professor of Digital Technologies and MAGIC co-chair Susan Timm.
"Because hate is so complex, MAGIC decided to create a series of presentations and forums with the title 'Targets of Hate.' By providing historical and contextual perspective, we aim to provoke deep thought on the subject within our college and the community at large. Through dialogue, we are able to better understand others and reduce the likelihood of hate."
Members of the community who are interested in learning more are highly encouraged to attend part two on Wednesday, Nov. 8. For information, please contact Clark Hallpike, ECC professor and MAGIC co-chair, at (847) 214-7542 or challpike@elgin.edu.