23 October 2018
Cambrea Hall
The next Just Talk event hosted by the Kraemer Family Library will cover constitutional rights. The panel will be presented by Kathleen Hynes of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The series was launched to promote open and honest dialogue about equity, diversity and inclusion.
“The Just Talk events provide a space for people to unpack and express themselves during these polarized times. It’s an opportunity to talk about recent issues under respect-guiding principles,” said Dean of the Library Martin Garnar.
The Just Talk series began in April of 2018 and was designed in a dialogue format to encourage true conversation among students concerned with the topic of discussion. The series adheres to the CU system’s discrimination statement in reference to study diversity.
Garner encourages attendees for the upcoming constitutional Just Talk event to actively participate.
“A conversation is only as good as the people who are a part of it,” said Garner. “The goal of the Just Talk is for everyone to come away understanding more of the other side’s perspective.”
The 2018 Diversity and Inclusion Summit titled “Academic Freedom, Free Speech-Expression and the Idea of the University” prompted the upcoming Just Talk series on the constitution.
“I had just stepped into my new role and decided to choose a theme: freedom of speech and academic freedom,” said Andrea Herrera, Associate Vice Chancellor for Inclusion.
Last year’s summit focused on the debate regarding academic freedom and free speech-expression in today’s society, according to Garner.
Topics covered in presentations included: free speech-expression and its relation to academic freedom, the limits of hate speech, and the history of the First Amendment and the 1960s free speech movement.
“Freedom of speech and academic freedom are not defined the same. Legally, you cannot say anything you want. Within a university, there are limitations. The goal of this Just Talk series is to restore those important definitions,” said Herrera.
Kathleen Hynes attended the 2018 Diversity and Inclusion Summit and agreed to partner with UCCS to continue the conversation within the Just Talk series.
Hynes was also on campus in September talking about the constitution as a living document in conjunction with the Center for Civic Engagement Constitution Day.
The Just Talk event will be on Oct. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the third floor apse of the Kraemer Family Library.