HUMANIST COMMUNITY GATHERING -- Free Speech and Disinformation

The past five years have stressed our concepts of freedom of speech and expression. Traditional First Amendment theory seems inadequate to address the problems created by the former President’s labeling of any critical news story as “fake news,” with “alternative facts” as a remedy. Dealing with repetitive disinformation fostered by a widespread use of social media has exacerbated the problem. Our discussion will revolve around the purpose of the First Amendment and how these problems may be addressed in a way that is consistent with First Amendment theory.

Join us for this engaging presentation and discussion with Professor Mike Steenson from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Afterwards, stay for some on-line socializing with other attendees.

Mike Steenson is the Bell Distinguished Professor of Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Iowa School of Law. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Miles W. Lord on the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and then began a long teaching career at then William Mitchell College of Law, now Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Professor Steenson is a member of the American Law Institute and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. He teaches in the areas of Torts, Constitutional Law, including the First Amendment, and American Legal History. He is a recipient of the Minnesota State Bar Association Civil Litigation Section’s Advocate’s Award.