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Oklahoma
Dept. of Libraries
200 NE 18th St
Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma
73105-3298
Questions or Comments:
Bill Young,
Public Information Office
| Introduction | Schedule |
| Location/Parking | Registration |
| Continuing Education | Sponsors |
The 13th Annual
First Amendment Congress
for High School Students
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Constitution Hall (map)
University of Central Oklahoma
(UCO)
Edmond, Oklahoma
The Annual Congress is hosted by
Freedom of Information
Oklahoma, Inc.
“If the freedom of speech is taken
away
then dumb and silent
we may be led,
like sheep to the slaughter.”
—George Washington
We take the idea of free speech for granted in America, and we know it can be very dangerous to speak out in many parts of the world. That’s why we stand in admiration as we witness the toppling of despotic regimes in the Middle East—a watershed event in our world sparked by the brave speech and massive protests of common citizens in this region.
But even in the land of the free, citizens can risk much in exercising their constitutional right to speak their opinions—especially if those opinions are unpopular politically or culturally.
At this year’s First Amendment Congress, we’ll discuss the value and the danger of free speech at home and abroad.
Schedule
8:45 AM |
Registration Constitution Hall |
9:00 |
Opening Session How well do you understand the First Amendment provision on freedom of speech? University of Central Oklahoma Professor Dr. Mark Hanebutt will present examples of challenged speech and court cases to enlighten students on this most fundamental of freedoms. Hanebutt, who has been admitted to practice law in the state of Oklahoma, is an award-winning writer who has more than 30 years of experience in journalism and professional writing. He teaches media ethics and media law courses and seminars. He serves on the boards of directors of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and Freedom of Information Oklahoma, Inc. He is a past president of FOI Oklahoma. |
10:00 |
Free Speech on the Home Front Former ACLU-Oklahoma executive director Joann Bell will talk about her involvement with the landmark ACLU vs. Little Axe court case. The experience inspired her lifetime and professional commitment to the Bill of Rights. Bell served as executive director of American Civil Liberties Union-Oklahoma for almost 23 years. Under Bell’s guidance the affiliate organization flourished. For her first five years as director, she was the only employee. When she retired, the Union had an executive director, deputy director, development director, and two other part time employees. |
10:45 |
Break |
10:55 |
Panel: Free Speech on the Home Front Bell discusses Oklahoma ACLU cases with plaintiffs the organization supported during their legal fights. |
11:45 |
First Amendment Congress Essay Winners will be awarded their prizes, and we’ll present a short tribute to Oklahoma Civil Rights Leader Clara Luper, who died this year at the age of 88 |
12 PM |
Lunch |
12:30 |
Panel: Free Speech Abroad University of Oklahoma Associate Professor Joshua Landis moderates a panel of University of Oklahoma international students to discuss recent freedom movements in the Middle East, including the risk of speaking out in countries that do not respect the basic right to free speech, and the role of social media in this movement. Landis is Director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He writes “Syria Comment,” a daily newsletter on Syrian politics that attracts some 3,000 readers a day, and is a frequent analyst on TV and radio. He lived over 14 years in the Middle East and received numerous grants to study in the region, including three Fulbright grants. |
2:00 |
Adjourn |
Location and Parking
We'll meet at Constitution Hall in the University Center at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Enter the campus on Garland Godfrey Drive from Second Street.
To get to Second Street in Edmond, exist east off Broadway or west off I-35. Congress participants are asked to park east and southeast of Constitution Hall.
Registration
Registration cost includes lunch and refereshments
Individuals $15
Special Group pricing available for students and
teachers:
Up to 10 students and teachers $35
Up to 25 students and teachers $50
Each additional student $5
Scholarship and transportation assistance are available on a limited basis.
To register, or for more information,
please contact the Oklahoma Library Association, 405–525–5100.
Registration deadline is Friday, October 21, 2011
Download invitation and registration form
Continuing Education
CEU credit is planned for Public Librarian Certification, as is "Verification of Attendance" for educators.
Sponsors
Oklahoma's First Amendment Congress is sponsored by:
Freedom of Information Oklahoma, Inc.
215 E. 6th Street, Edmond, OK 73034–4602
(405) 341–3169 • www.foioklahoma.org
Co-sponsors of the Congress are:
- Associated Press
- Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Oklahoma Department of Libraries
- Oklahoma Library Association
- Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation
- Oklahoma Press Association
- Oklahoma State University, School of Media and Strategic Communications
- University of Central Oklahoma
Students! Enter our 2011 Essay Contest
and Win Cash Prizes!
Oklahoma high school students are invited to enter the 2011 Zach Taylor First Amendment Congress Essay Contest, sponsored by Freedom of Information Oklahoma. First prize is $300, second place receives $200, and third place prize is $100. Check out the details here!
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Oklahoma Department of Libraries