Washburn 2022-2023 iRead Program to feature Free Speech Novel

      Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University’s iRead program, coordinated by Washburn’s Mabee Library, encourages a community-wide reading experience, particularly among first-year students. The iRead selection for the 2022-2023 school year is “Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship” by Nadine Strossen. During the fall 2022 semester, professors are encouraged to incorporate the book into their curriculum and the Mabee Library will host a series of events around the book, culminating in the 2022 iRead Lecture with Strossen on Oct. 11, 2022 at 7 p.m. in Lee Arena.

      “HATE: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship,” dispels misunderstandings plaguing our perennial debates about hate speech vs. free speech, showing that the First Amendment approach promotes free speech and democracy, equality and societal harmony. “HATE” has earned praise from ideologically diverse experts, including progressive Harvard University professor Cornel West and conservative Princeton University professor Robert George.

      Strossen is a leading expert in constitutional law and human rights and former president of the American Civil Liberties Union. She is the immediate past president of the American Civil Liberties Union (1991-2008,) and now serves on the advisory boards of EPIC (the Electronic Privacy Information Center,) FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) and Heterodox Academy. The “National Law Journal” has named Strossen one of America’s “100 Most Influential Lawyers,” and several other publications have named her one of the country’s most influential women.

      Dean of University Libraries and the Center for Student Success and Retention Dr. Alan Bearman says that free speech is an essential component of a democratic society.

      “A review of recent American media reveals a number of instances of purported hate speech, although a common and consistent definition has yet to be put forward,” said Bearman. “Professor Strossen’s book will allow the Washburn University community to explore and discuss the role and limits of free speech and the potential challenges of hate speech laws and censorship more broadly.”

      “Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship” is available for purchase at the Ichabod Shop in the Memorial Union on the Washburn University campus.

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