UCLA Students Stage Event for Free Speech

by Daniel Wednesday, Mar. 08, 2006 at 10:28 PM

In wake of the violent protests against free expression and the short-sighted self-censorship of the majority of the major U.S. media outlets, U.C.L.A. students have organized a panel to present some simple cartoons and discuss the violent response to these cartoons. U.C.I. students staged a similar event last week.

Unveiling the Danish Cartoons: A Discussion of Free Speech and World Response
Misc Event on Friday, March 10, 2006 (7:00pm - 10:00pm)
UCLA Campus: Dodd 147

The Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed have sparked a worldwide controversy. Death threats and violent protests have sent the cartoonists into hiding and have had the intended effect of stifling freedom of expression. The reaction to these cartoons raises urgent questions whose significance goes far beyond a set of drawings.

* What is freedom of speech? Does it include the right to offend?
* What is the significance of the worldwide Islamic reaction to the cartoons?
* How should Western governments have responded to this incident?
* How should the Western media have responded?

These and related issues will be discussed by panelists from different backgrounds and perspectives. A questions-and-answers period with the audience will be included.

Please note that the cartoons in question will be displayed at the event. Respect for the discussion forum will be strictly enforced.

Confirmed panelists include Dr. Yaron Brook (Executive Director of the Ayn Rand Institute) and Kevin James (KABC radio talk-show host, former federal prosecutor and entertainment lawyer). Additional panelists, especially those offering opposing views, are still being sought out.

Priority seating for UCLA students, faculty, and staff begins at 6:30pm. A BruinCard is required for admittance.

General seating is available only by RSVP and begins at 6:45pm. Please email Events@ClubLogic.org to be placed on the list. (Expect a confirmation within 24 hours.) Because seating is limited, being on the RSVP list is not a guarantee of entry. A state- or federally-issued ID is required for admittance.

If necessary, a waiting area will be available outside the room in case space opens up.

Members of the media--please email Arthur Lechtholz-Zey at Arthur@ClubLogic.org to make arrangements.