91自拍

91自拍 University welcomed an author and professor to give a special lecture to 91自拍 students and employees, as well as the public on how to engage in civil discourse while balancing free speech with inclusivity at the Warner Theatre.

Lara Hope Schwartz is the author of “Try to Love the Questions: From Debate to Dialogue in Classrooms and Life,” the book selected as this year’s 91自拍’s Reading to Enhance the Awareness of a Diverse Society (READS) program. The 91自拍 READ’s program aims to enhance the first-year student experience by providing a common book for first-year students to read and discuss.  

This special lecture, sponsored by the Erie Community Foundation, also marked a special occasion for 91自拍 as it represents the inaugural Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak 91自拍 READS Program Endowment lecture.  

The focus of Schwartz’s lecture was on creating a framework where educators and students alike can comprehend and engage with discussions pertaining to civil discourse, effectively setting up college communities to navigate the intersection between free speech and inclusion. 

“The Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak 91自拍 READS program continues to create spaces for enriching dialogue and transformative experiences for our students, and we are excited to host Lara Schwartz as part of this journey,” said Sarah Ewing, PhD., provost and vice president for student experience. “Her work and insight into civil discourse and democracy resonate deeply with our commitment to fostering informed, engaged citizens. We look forward to the impactful conversations this lecture will inspire among our students and community members.” 

This event was also featured in the lineup of the Jefferson Educational Society’s Global Summit. 

More about the author: 

Lara Schwartz is a professor in the School of Public Affairs at American University, where she is the founding director of the Project on Civic Dialogue. Schwartz specializes in dialogue across differences, constitutional law, civil rights, politics, communications and policy. Drawing on her experience as a legislative lawyer, lobbyist and communications strategist in leading civil rights organizations, Schwartz encourages students to approach complex questions from multiple perspectives, listen generously to one another and challenge themselves and support one another. 

Schwartz served as Director of Strategic Engagement at the American Constitution Society for Law & Policy. Previously she served as Courts Matter director at Media Matters, Legal Director at the Human Rights Campaign and Vice President of External Affairs at the American Association of People with Disabilities. Schwartz worked in litigation at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, and Flom and Gilbert, Heintz, and Randolph. She also served as a law clerk to Judge Ronald Lee Gilman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. Schwartz has appeared on national and local radio and television programs and written op-eds published in national papers and local papers of record. From June 2019 to June 2020, she was a fellow at the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.