The First Amendment prevents Congress from passing any laws that abridge the freedom of speech. But what does that actually mean? Emerson College Professor Emerita Meg Mott will talk about the history of speech laws in the United States, how states and municipalities have tried to curb offensive speech, and how the Supreme Court has ruled on those efforts. While some argue that limits on speech are necessary for marginalized persons to feel included, others argue that the criminalization of speech serves the needs of the penal state more than the community.

This virtual program is hosted by the Newburyport Public Library with generous funding from the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library.

To Register for this Zoom event, go to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gk1zovdjRLO5B1C3I0HCOQ