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Former ACLU president Nadine Strossen to speak at Festival of Ideas

Nadine Strossen portrait.

The David C. Hardesty Jr. Festival of Ideas will feature former ACLU president Nadine Strossen as she dissects Constitutional law to share current challenges to our civil liberties today, stimulating thoughtful consideration of democratic ideals Tuesday (March 19). This free event will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballroom.

With her expert knowledge of the Constitution, Strossen is a unique and valuable resource for understanding the context behind policies and legislation that curtail civil liberties, such as freedom of speech. In her new book, "HATE: Why We Should Resist It With Free Speech, Not Censorship," she explores how speech is protected under the Constitution and how free speech can be used to counter hate speech.

An accomplished lawyer, author, professor, and speaker, Strossen became the first woman and youngest person to ever serve as the ACLU’s president from 1991-2008.

There will be a book signing following the lecture.

About Festival of Ideas

The David C. Hardesty Jr. Festival of Ideas was created in 1995 by former WVU president David C. Hardesty Jr. It was inspired by events he organized as WVU’s student body president in the1960s. Today, the lecture series spans the academic year and engages a diverse group of newsmakers, public figures, thought leaders and WVU’s own superstars.

For more information visit the Festival of Ideas website.