U of A students, faculty and staff and the local community are invited to attend a virtual panel discussion on the First Amendment and freedom of expression at 7 p.m. Monday, March 29, via Zoom.

The panel discussion, titled "Freedom of Expression in the George Floyd Era," is presented by the U of A Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education and is "an opportunity for students, staff, faculty and the community to engage in dialogue about how the First Amendment interacts with campus life, academic freedom, a free press and musical and artistic expression," said Leslie Yingling, associate dean of students and assistant vice chancellor for Student Success and Multicultural Initiatives.

"Relatively few Americans are familiar with all five of the protections guaranteed by the First Amendment. These are important all the time, but they are critically relevant now, considering ideological debates regarding protected speech, a fractured media landscape and enormous mistrust in the press," Yingling said. "Free speech and a free press are what enable us to get information from a diverse range of sources so that we can learn, develop informed opinions, make decisions and share our ideas with leaders. We hope it launches a robust ongoing conversation that informs and helps to connect our community." 

Charles Robinson, U of A provost and executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, will introduce the panelists. 

"This program is important for providing guidance on how we might better promote a safe, supportive and inclusive campus environment while recognizing and protecting the First Amendment rights of individuals," Robinson said. "I look forward to the rich and informative conversation."

A real time, responsive Q&A session will follow the panel discussion. The panel will be moderated by Niketa Reed, assistant professor and diversity director for the U of A School of Journalism and Strategic Media and founder of Arkansas Soul, and Bryan Hembree, Director of Arts & Culture in the U of A Center for Multicultural & Diversity Education, and a musician.

"Expert panelists from higher education, the press and the world of music will discuss freedom of expression through three lenses that are topical and important to our students and campus community over the course of an hour and a half, with dedicated time at the end for direct Q&A from participants," Hembree said.

The panelists are: D'Andra Mull, vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Florida; Tré Burt, musician with Oh Boy Records; Antoinette Grajeda, producer and reporter for Ozarks at Large on KUAF 91.3 FM (NPR) and Editor, Arkansas Soul; and Ian Milhiser, senior correspondent for VOX.

The event will be held on Zoom March 29 beginning at 7 p.m. with a Q&A to follow. Advance registration is required.