Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane announced the inaugural Idaho Free Speech Summit on Tuesday, establishing a partnership with the University of Idaho College of Law and Boise State University’s Institute for Advancing American Values. The event is scheduled for October 13.
The summit focuses on First Amendment protections under the U.S. Constitution and promotes civil discourse. Sessions will address campaign finance regulations, free speech on college campuses, and strategies for constructive dialogue.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox will deliver the keynote address. Cox is known for championing “Disagree Better,” a national nonpartisan initiative designed to reduce inflammatory rhetoric in public debate. He will also discuss his book, Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt.
“Free speech is fundamental to our system of government, but protecting it requires more than simply agreeing that it is important,” McGrane said in a press release.
The agenda includes presentations, panel discussions, and an evening reception. Attorneys participating in the summit can earn continuing legal education credit.
McGrane emphasized that the event seeks diverse perspectives rather than uniform agreement. “Our goal isn’t to bring together people who all agree,” he said.
Registration details and the full schedule are available at FreeSpeechIdaho.com.