Winona State University and Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) will host a webinar, “Free Speech vs. Hate Speech: Understanding the Boundaries and Building Resilient Communities,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29.
This virtual event is free and open to the public and will take place via Zoom.
The webinar will feature two key sessions dedicated to exploring the balance between free speech and hate speech, along with the adverse impacts of hate on minority communities. Discussions will be moderated as community leaders engage in meaningful conversations that not only underscore the challenges faced by these communities but also seek collaborative solutions for fostering a more respectful society.
Session One: Legal Insights from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Cindy Cipriani, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, will provide expert legal insights on the critical distinctions between free speech and hate speech.
Session Two: Community Impact & Prevention Strategies
A panel of community leaders will discuss the effects of hate speech and hate crimes on minority communities and share strategies for fostering inclusivity and resilience.
Event Panelists
- Dr. Mohamed Ahmed — Associate Vice President for Equity and Inclusive Excellence, Winona State University (Moderator)
- Tazheen Nizam — Executive Director, CAIR-San Diego
- Fatima Said — Executive Director, Project FINE
- Dr. Aaron Bruce — Vice President for Diversity, Art Center College
- Zaynab Mohamed — State Senator, Minnesota
- Brian O’Hara — Chief of Police, Minneapolis
This apolitical webinar will highlight the real-world experiences of communities affected by hate, examining the profound impacts it has on marginalized groups and its influence on society. Discussions during the event are intended to collectively seek solutions for creating safer, more resilient environments for impacted communities.
To register for the webinar visit: https://minnstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uWDMsHdvQ6qjW7sZI_akWg
