PEN America is coming to UC Berkeley this fall to host our first-ever Student Summit on Free Expression for high school students in California! This unique day of thematic workshops and activities led by PEN America instructors and guests will help equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote free expression, combat hate, and fight against disinformation locally in the Bay Area and beyond!
Taking place on Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, our day will begin with brief presentations that introduce students to PEN America and the landscape of free expression advocacy both domestically and globally. Breakout discussions and activities will follow, where students can engage on some of the most difficult questions related to free expression today. Students will then be tasked to work together on an advocacy campaign project that deconstructs the issue of “cancel culture” as a case study, exploring new and innovative ways to promote social accountability and free expression through counter-speech and activism.
This event is open to high school students and is free to attend. All registrants are required to complete the Google Form and return the Liability Waiver sent to them shortly afterward. Lunch will be provided. Capacity is limited so register as soon as possible.