Vermont Humanities

Must Free Speech Endure Hate Speech?

Man giving a talk in a bike shop
Speakers Bureau

Wall with poster that says The First Amendment prevents Congress from passing any laws that abridge the freedom of speech. But what does that actually mean?

In this presentation, professor Meg Mott considers the history of speech laws in the United States, how states and municipalities have tried to curb offensive speech, and how the Supreme Court has ruled on those efforts. If the State cannot prohibit hateful speech against certain communities, how can we build a healthier polity?

All arguments are welcome as we make full use of our reasoning powers to bring the First Amendment to life!

Additional Costs

Mileage

Special Arrangements

Projector with connector for Mac laptop

Available in correctional facilities.

Booking a talk

First, contact the speaker by clicking on their biography below to confirm their availability and discuss any special arrangements.

Then, click the “Book this Talk!” button below to send a request form to Vermont Humanities. We’ll respond within one week.

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About the Presenter

Meg Mott

Meg Mott

After twenty years of teaching political theory and constitutional law to Marlboro College undergraduates, Meg Mott has taken her love of argument to the general public.

Talks by Meg Mott

Image of preamble to the Constitution

A Dramatic Constitution

We often are divided on the merits of the Constitution: can it redeem us or is it a convenient cloak for white supremacy? Meg Mott explains that the Constitution might be seen as an invitation to develop the habits of political engagement through deliberation and adjudication.

Minuteman Statue in Lexington MA

Do We Still Need an Armed Citizenry?

The right of the people to keep and bear arms has become one of the more contentious rights in American politics. Meg Mott focuses on the political theory behind the Second Amendment. How might pro-gun and anti-gun forces peaceably coexist? The goal of the talk is to take seriously an opposing point of view even if you can’t endorse it.

Vermont Humanities*** March 8, 2021