In a world where the boundaries of free speech are constantly being tested, particularly in the context of political conflicts, an upcoming lecture at Washington University in St. Louis promises to shed light on this critical issue. On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the Jewish, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES) Department will host the Stern Lecture, featuring a timely and thought-provoking discussion titled “Freedom of Speech: An Academic War Front.”
The event brings together two distinguished legal scholars: Professor Barak Medina of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Professor Lee Epstein of Washington University. Moderated by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, the conversation will take on the complexities of free speech, especially as it relates to the Israel-Hamas conflict and other contentious issues that have sparked global debates.
“Free speech is obviously a complex issue,” noted Epstein. “There’s what the courts say, of course, but thinking through controversies that arise on college campuses and beyond requires more than case law; it calls for the application of other tools. Comparative analysis is certainly one. For that reason, I expect to learn a lot from Professor Medina’s take on free speech in Israel. I’m sure the audience will, too.”
Medina, a leading figure in legal scholarship with a focus on equality, judicial review and the protection of minorities, offers a critical perspective on these issues.
“Protecting free speech is especially important in Israel,” Medina explained. “Fundamental policy issues are debated, and it is essential to enable the people to participate in the public discourse, both through social media and demonstrations.”
However, Medina acknowledged the complexities of this balance. “Speech should be curtailed only if there is imminent risk that listeners will act illegally and cause substantial harm. The exception is incitement to racism where the risk is the dissemination of hatred and discrimination.”
| MORE: Read Prof. Medina’s full interview
Judicial review plays a vital role in safeguarding free speech, especially for minority voices during times of conflict. Medina emphasized this point: “Judicial review is crucial in protecting the right of the minority to free speech. Especially in times of war, when the level of tolerance is low, it is essential for the court to enforce the standards that were set in peaceful times.”
The Stern Lecture offers a rare opportunity for the St. Louis community to engage directly with scholars at the forefront of legal and constitutional debates. In an era where the lines between free speech and censorship are increasingly blurred, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on how these issues are playing out both in the U.S. and Israel.
The Sept. 3 event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. in Washington University’s Umrath Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.
