Freedom of speech is a bedrock principle throughout the Western world, but increasingly it is being challenged — on college campuses, among intellectuals and in politics — in the name of preventing “hate” speech or offensive speech or protecting allegedly “marginalized” groups.

Why is this happening and what does it mean for the future of free speech? To answer these and other related questions, the public is invited to join us in person or by livestream for two special events:

On January 24, the Ayn Rand Institute, the UPenn chapters of the Federalist Society and the American Constitution Society will organize a panel discussion at the University of Pennsylvania, on the threats to free speech in the West.

Panelists are Flemming Rose, author of The Tyranny of Silence: How One Cartoon Ignited a Global Debate on the Future of Free Speech and former editor at the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten; Steve Simpson, editor of Defending Free Speech and director of Legal Studies at the Ayn Rand Institute; Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, New York Law School, and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union. Please register by January 23. Where? UPenn Law School, 3501 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA 19104 — Fitts Auditorium (GK 100). When? 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET.

On February 1, the Ayn Rand Institute and UCLA chapter of the Federalist Society will organize an additional panel discussion with Steve Simpson and Flemming Rose at the University of California, Los Angeles. Please register by January 31. Where? UCLA Law Building (room 1347) – 385 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA 90095. When? 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. PT.

Both events are free and include a catered reception for those attending in person. The first 50 students to arrive at each event will receive free copies of The Tyranny of Silence and Defending Free Speech.

Visit the UPenn and the UCLA event pages for registration and livestream details.