Free Expression Expert Nadine Strossen Speaks at UW

A renowned expert on free speech, human rights and civil liberties shared her insights on the vital role of free expression in protecting civil liberties at the University of Wyoming Feb. 25.

Nadine Strossen, whose father was imprisoned in the Buchenwald concentration camp by the Nazis and was scheduled for sterilization just one day after he and the other prisoners were liberated by the U.S. Army, said she owes her life to the liberties Americans hold dear. And while some may think that Strossen’s own family history of persecution by Nazis would make her sympathetic to censoring Nazi and other hateful views, she argued that hate is best resisted with free speech, not censorship.

Strossen spoke in conversation with UW faculty members Jerry Fowler, Jennifer Harmon and Catherine Johnson, and took questions from an engaged audience. A reception before the talk, where guests had the opportunity to meet Strossen, set the stage for a lively exchange of ideas.

President Ed Seidel welcomed Strossen and emphasized UW’s work to promote free expression, including the Statement of the University of Wyoming Principles and grassroots efforts that include the formation of BridgeUWYO and a campus chapter of the Heterodox Academy.

“Professor Strossen’s visit is one of three major events this semester that give us an opportunity to deepen our understanding of free expression, constructive dialogue and the ways in which these principles support the progress of science and knowledge production more generally,” Seidel said.

Those who missed Strossen’s presentation and conversation can view the recording here.

More information on UW’s Freedom of Expression Initiative can be found here.