Roundtable discussion focusing on freedom of speech

In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo shooting earlier this month, the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy will explore the right to freedom of speech and expression during a roundtable discussion scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 in the Ochre Court breakfast room.

The discussion will be led by Pell Center visiting fellow Carolyn Deady.

The gunmen who committed the massacre at the Paris offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo said that they had “avenged the prophet,” referring to the prophet Muhammed, who had been satirized by the magazine on numerous occasions. In the wake of the attack, “Je Suis Charlie” (French for “I Am Charlie”) became a slogan to symbolize those who stood in support of the slain satirists at Hebdo, and their right to freedom of speech and expression.

The discussion will explore questions such as: Should there be limits to freedom of expression? If so, what would those limits be? If not, will people exercising freedom of expression have to live in fear of reprisal?

Roundtable discussions are open to Salve Regina students, faculty and staff, and lunch is provided. As space is extremely limited, those interested in attending should RSVP to pellcenter@salve.edu.