The 2021 W&J Symposium on Democracy will focus on “Democracy in Times of Crisis: When Freedom and Security Collide.” The tension that often exists between freedom and security has been heightened by recent events in our nation and around the world. Most recently, the violent storming of the U.S. Capitol threatened the security of elected leaders and the democratic process itself. In the wake of this insurrection, federal troops limited access to Washington, D.C., and corporations banned users from posting on social media, arguing that security concerns sometimes outweigh freedom of expression. Meanwhile, as the global health pandemic rages on, debates continue about the extent to which government should mandate health protocols such as masking and social distancing.
Over the last year, some public officials responded to protests against racial injustice with curfews, tear gas and other forceful methods, insisting it was necessary to limit freedom of assembly in the interest of maintaining security. Internationally, 2020 saw a continuing decline in democracy as many governments imposed new limits on individual freedoms and political dissent. For example, China instituted a “national security law” to suppress democratic rule in Hong Kong and arrested elected leaders and pro-democracy activists.
The 2021 W&J Symposium on Democracy will explore these and other issues with sessions led by noteworthy leaders, academic experts, and our own students.
2021 Symposium Sessions Have Been Announced
Register for sessions today to reserve your spot.
Hosted By
Founded in the last days of the American Revolutionary War, Washington & Jefferson College has been committed to fostering democracy and responsible citizenship for well over two centuries.