On April 7, a group of Texas State Students attended the Texas Network for the Study of Public Issues seminar on freedom of speech at the University of Texas at Austin. Students Samuel Barr, Ana De Loza, Adam Henley, Ezekiel Loeseke, Jordan Mandujano, Evan Olszewski, Evan Spake, and Sabra Woodward attended. Dr. Ashleen Menchaca-Bagnulo was the faculty sponsor. In the morning session, the students heard a keynote speech by Dr. James Stoner of Louisiana State University on Free Speech and the Natural Law. In the afternoon session, students heard a panel discussion featuring diverse opinions on freedom of speech from panelists Jeffrey Abramson (UT Law), James Sullivan (former Solicitor General of Texas) and Naomi Reed (UT’s Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis) . The students also participated in small group discussions about speech laws and hate speech with students from surrounding universities. Texas State student Ezekiel Loseke described the seminar as a “great experience” that “really broadened his intellectual horizons.” He was especially impressed by opportunities for discussion among the students and between the students and speakers, as well as by the depth of the discussion and “diversity” of views represented.
