Free speech in America is under severe scrutiny. It seems every day, words are spoken and retracted, apologies are issued, tweets are deleted – many feel free expression has become imperiled. Debates about the line between First Amendment-protected journalism and theft of classified information rage. At the same time, hate speech is on the rise and its proliferation online has been linked to unspeakable violence. How do we limit the effects of offensive speech without stifling expression? When does threatening speech qualify as a crime? How do we strike a balance between safety and censorship?
As we’ve seen from the recent indictment of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, as well as growing concerns about how to limit the proliferation of hateful and violent content on social media platforms, 2019 has already produced several, pivotal case studies that concern First Amendment issues.
On June 17 at 4 p.m., The Washington Post and the Knight Foundation will join forces for the 3rd annual Free to State summit on The First Amendment to discuss subjective interpretations of free speech protections when it comes to artistic expression.
Panel 1:
Artistic Expression and The First Amendment
How do you determine what is a threat and what is artistic expression? The First Amendment protects all expression, but there are rare exceptions for libel and incitement -- how do we determine what is protected expression in art that is often subjective in nature? A recent Supreme Court case about explicit rap lyrics provides a unique and rich example.
Speakers:
Michael "Killer Mike" Render, Rapper, First Amendment advocate
Michael Render, publicly known as Killer Mike, is a husband, father, activist, businessman and GRAMMY Award-winning artist. He is the host of the new Netflix series ‘Trigger Warning with Killer Mike.’ Render is deeply devoted to his community. For the past two years, he’s held back-to-school events offering free haircuts, braids, and school supplies for Atlanta children. His 2018 back-to-school event was held over multiple weekends in July and August and served over 250 children and youth. Outside of his business and philanthropic interests, Render is committed to supporting political candidates who center the needs of ordinary people. His tireless advocacy on behalf of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders during Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid captivated the nation, leading Render to become one of the Senator’s highest-profile and most persuasive supporters. Render later supported Keisha Lance Bottoms’ mayoral bid and served on her transition team once she was elected mayor.
Simon Tam, Author, "Slanted: How an Asian American Troublemaker Took on the Supreme Court"
Simon Tam is an author, musician, activist, and troublemaker. Tam is best known as the founder and bassist of The Slants, the world’s first and only all-Asian American dance rock band. He is the founder of The Slants Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships and mentorship to artist-activists of color. Tam has been a keynote speaker, performer, and presenter at TEDx, SXSW, Comic-Con, The Department of Defense, Stanford University, and over 1,200 events across four continents. He has set a world record by appearing on the TEDx stage 13 times. His work has been highlighted in over 3,000 media features across 150 countries including The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, NPR, BBC, New York Times, and Rolling Stone.
John Elwood, Partner, Appellate practice, Vinson & Elkins
John Elwood is a partner in Vinson & Elkins LLP’s appellate practice group. He has argued nine cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, and argued before most federal courts of appeals. In addition, he has long taught the University of Virginia School of Law’s Supreme Court practice clinical program. Before entering private practice, John served during the George W. Bush administration as an Assistant to the Solicitor General, as Counselor to Criminal Division chief Michael Chertoff, and as the senior Deputy in the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel.
Moderated by Wesley Lowery, National Reporter, The Washington Post
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