Online discussion planned on social media and free speech

The event will be moderated by Kelly Winfrey, assistant professor journalism and communication

The Iowa State University Lecture Series will host an online discussion titled “Post-Election and Post-Impeachment: What’s Next?” at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The event will be moderated by Kelly Winfrey, assistant professor journalism and communication. The panelists include Julie Roosa, adjunct assistant professor of journalism and communication; Zack Bonner, lecturer of political science; and Dirk Deam, teaching professor of political science.

Winfrey said a number of topics will be addressed, such as accusations of voter fraud, the role of traditional and social media in politics and political information, free speech and how former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment ties into the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol.

I think the big picture of this event is to unpack what has happened to American democracy in the past few months and how we can move forward, Winfrey said.

Apart from the events at the Capitol, the discussion will also include conversations comparing President Joe Biden administration’s agenda and approval compared to Trump.

On Jan. 6, a pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol and sought to overturn the results of the Electoral College. The mob used popular social media platforms to organize the riot. Questions about the First Amendment may arise about what can be allowed on social media platforms as the planning and organization of the event took place on social media.

I anticipate discussing the intersection of free speech and violence, especially as it relates to the Jan. 6 insurrection, Roosa said, noting that the First Amendment does not typically apply to social media. I also hope to address de-platforming and social media and how the First Amendment applies.

This lecture is co-sponsored by the Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government), the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, the Greenlee School of Journalism and the political science department.