Tuesday, April 11, 2006 (8 pm - 10:30pm) University of Southern California Davidson Conference Center -
Embassy Room 3415
Figueroa Los Angeles, CA 90089
Confirmed Panelists: Dr. Yaron Brook, Ayn Rand Institute Dr. Daniel Pipes, Middle East Forum
The Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed have sparked a worldwide controversy. Death threats and violent protests have sent the cartoonists into hiding and have had the intended effect of stifling freedom of expression. The reaction to these cartoons raises urgent questions whose significance goes far beyond a set of drawings. What is freedom of speech? Does it include the right to offend? What is the significance of the worldwide Islamic reaction to the cartoons? How should Western governments have responded to this incident? How should the Western media have responded? These and related issues will be discussed by panelists from different backgrounds and perspectives. A questions-and-answers period with the audience will be included. Please note that the cartoons in question will be displayed at the event. Respect for the discussion forum will be strictly enforced.
The Davidson Conference Center is located on the Northeast corner of the campus. Immediately west of the the venue is Parking Structure D, which can be accessed via Gate 4 just west of the intersection of Figueroa and Jefferson. Here is a map of the campus. Parking Structure X via Gate 3 is also available for parking to avoid a possible traffic jam. Security will be very tight so it is best to arrive 30-45 minutes early. This event is part of an ongoing crusade for free speech on the part of Objectivist Clubs supported by the Ayn Rand Institute across the country. These events have received considerable publicity. Rather than meet us in open debate, the Muslim Student Union has elected to have a counter-event on the same day and nearly the same time. Two letters to the editor by club members were sent to the school paper - The Daily Trojan - regarding the event. They were never published.
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