Penn State President Eric Barron and Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst will host a panel discussion about the complex relationship between the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the ideals of diversity and inclusion. The panel, consisting of distinguished Penn State faculty, will discuss these issues in the HUB’s Freeman Auditorium on Thursday, October 27. The free event will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

Issues of free speech have become hot-button topics on college campuses across the country and even more so within the last year. Student protests of controversial speakers, restricted areas for student protests, and more have underscored the difficulties that stem from this “intersection” of the First Amendment and diversity and inclusion. This event will be one of several for students to attend as the 2016 election cycle comes to a close.

The event is part of Penn State’s “We Are All In” campaign, which promotes an inclusive and diverse environment for both students and faculty. The panelists will explore the challenges that may arise involving diversity and inclusion and how a university such as Penn State can effectively handle these challenges.

The panelists will include Carly Pratt, Stephen Ross, Victor Romero, and Robert Richards. Penn State Vice President Stephen Dunham will act as moderator for the event.