Students, faculty, and the public attended Dr. Geoffrey Stone’s lecture entitled “Free Speech in the Time of War,” on Wednesday, Mar. 7, at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall.
Stone, a professor of Law at the University of Chicago Law School and author, discussed how he believes the role of citizens in public debate is jeopardized during times of war. In addition, he presented occurrences in the United State’s history when freedom of speech and civil liberties were violated.
“I enjoyed the connection he made on previous instances in order to support his opinion, as well as the question and answer section,” stated Karina Elizondo, a senior majoring in political science.
Stone offered historical evidence, ranging from the 1798 Sedition Act to dilemmas occurring during World War I, as proof of his claim.
Also in attendance at the lecture was A.R. “Tony” Sanchez Jr., who funds the lectures in honor of his father Antonio R. Sanchez Sr.
“I enjoyed the lecture. It was very interesting, impressive, and informative. It comes [during] perilous times,” he said.
Dr. Nasser Momayezi, dean of College of Arts and Sciences, agreed with Sanchez and remarked that Stone’s lecture came at a timely moment when there is national debate over the government infringing on citizen’s rights.
“It is imperative that our students be exposed to lectures and ideas by nationally and internationally renowned scholars, such as Dr. Stone,” Momayezi said.
A student explained her opinion of the topic, “I believe freedom of speech is jeopardized during war time. Once you speak against a war or the reasons why, people consider you unpatriotic. But speaking against or for American policy is part of patriotism,” said Terry Villalon, a political science major.
By critically analyzing and presenting history, Stone promoted the audience’s awareness of freedom of speech and civil liberties issues. The lecturer also made reference to what he calls “a cloth of secrecy over actions,” which, according to Stone, involves the government keeping quiet about what it does in time of war. Stone stated during the lecture that the government is attempting to control public discourse by keeping things hidden from people.
When asked about the media’s role in speech during wartime, Stone remarked, “the media was passive before and didn’t second guess or question the government.” He continued by stating that the media is now being more of a “watchdog” and investigating more.
“I would like to see more students attending the lectures,” stated Elizondo. “It’s disappointing and embarrassing how the College of Arts and Sciences is spending so much to bring speakers and students don’t attend.”
In light of the lecture topic’s relation to current events, student attendance and participation was low. Many of the students attending the A.R. Sanchez lecture quickly left their seats to sign attendance sheets at the exit even before the lecture was over; leaving the lecturer with a little over a dozen audience members for the Q&A portion of the speech.
Momayezi admires that students attend the lectures; however, expressed his dismayed that they walk out in packs once the speaker concludes.
“It is unfortunate that students don’t stay for the question and answer session, which quite often, can be more informative…[and it] is certainly beneficial for our students,” he said.
The final A.R. Sanchez lecture, “AIDS in Africa,” will be presented by Susan Hunter on April 30.