I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It

What's at stake for academic institutions when faculty are hemmed in or censored for unpopular or politically-challenging opinions or research? What do students lose when they're not exposed to ideas that challenge their worldviews or which question long-established ideas or perspectives? How can we encourage universities to push boundaries and challenge the dominant narratives while at the same ensuring that universities are safe spaces for everyone?

American political scientist Norman Finkelstein speaks with Christian Parenti, investigative journalist and Professor of Economics at John Jay College, about their shared experiences facing institutional repercussions for both their personal views and theoretically-based work, and what they consider to be the reasoning and implications of this backlash. Moderated by longtime activist and former broadcast journalist Jeanne McGuire.

Why is the fight for academic freedom relevant to those outside of academia? How do dominant narratives keep us divided and distracted? What does society lose when ideas aren't allowed free reign in debate, research or even exploration? 

Join the conversation.

Question and answer session and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event will be available to book via Eventbrite beginning on November 21 at 9:00am ET.

About this event's guests:

Norman Finkelstein

Christian Parenti

Jeanne McGuire

Read more:

I'll Burn That Bridge When I Get to It

Radical Hamilton

***

This event is part of our new series exploring what's at stake when intellectual freedom is threatened.

***


Note: This is an in-person event at The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, the premiere event space for Toronto Public Library's cultural and heritage programming located on the second floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street).


Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we'll have a bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as sandwiches and snacks, available to purchase (only debit and credit cards accepted).

Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 15 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.


***


Accessibility at Toronto Public Library:


Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca