25 Years of Asking Questions: Do We Still Believe in Free Speech?

From internet misinformation and campus protests to hate speech and extremist rallies, questions about the limits of free expression have become some of the most pressing issues of our time. This program invites attendees to examine not only what the First Amendment protects, but also what responsibilities come with that freedom. Through this conversation, we aim to provide historical, legal, and civic context that helps the public better understand how free speech shapes our democracy, and how we can navigate the challenges of truth, safety, and open discourse in a rapidly changing world.

This conversation is grounded in the legacy of Robert H. Jackson, who wrote in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943) that “freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much.” Jackson’s words remind us that the right to speak, dissent, and challenge authority lies at the heart of democratic life, a principle that remains as vital and contested today as it was in his time.

About the Speaker
Our featured speaker, Aaron Saykin, leads the Media and First Amendment Practice at Hodgson Russ LLP in Buffalo, where he advises clients on defamation, free speech, and access-to-information issues under New York’s Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Laws. Drawing on his 13 years as an investigative television reporter in Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Wilmington, North Carolina, Aaron brings a unique perspective to the intersection of law, media, and public accountability.

He has become a trusted advisor to higher education institutions and other organizations navigating the challenges of free expression, reputation management, and media relations. Aaron’s work reflects a deep commitment to protecting the principles of transparency and the First Amendment in modern civic life.