In midst of the pandemic, among the many urgent public demands, Chicago took the time to assess the propriety of monuments to historical figures like Abraham Lincoln. Cities across the country are grappling with the legacy of such figures, many of whom did not live perfect lives. Chicago's effort was part of a larger social movement to remove from sight, or to hold accountable, historical and contemporary figures, including Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, Dr. Seuss, Woodrow Wilson, J.K. Rowling, and even Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. Americans are now regularly “cancelled” for actions and statements made many years ago. Is "cancel culture" an important tool of social justice or a new form of intimidation by the powerful? Does canceling someone work to deter bad behavior? How does cancellation and its potential to chill speech interact with the First Amendment?
Speakers:

Prof. Nadine Strossen, John Marshall Harlan II Professor of Law, Emerita, New York Law School & Former President, American Civil Liberties Union
Jonathan D. Urick, Associate Chief Counsel, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Litigation Center
Prof. Anders Walker, Lillie Myers Professor of Law; Professor of History, St. Louis University School of Law
Moderator: Hon. Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr., Senior Judge, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri