Americans have long grappled with the tension between protecting free expression and maintaining our ability to make sense of the world together—from suppressing anti-war speech during the Vietnam era to today’s debates over whether to give a voice to those viewed as extreme or dangerous. These tensions take place across global, national, and local institutions. At the same time, we often think of social movements in broad strokes, yet the implications frequently play out both at the individual level—through "doxxing", canceling, or public shaming—and at the community level, shaping the health of public discourse. 

At a moment when debates over public expression are actively shaping civic life, this intergenerational event offers a rare and timely opportunity for participants to engage in. Youth, adults, and elders are invited to explore how speech boundaries have changed over time, who is heard or silenced, and how communities decide which ideas deserve a platform. Through a range of speaker perspectives and facilitated small-group dialogues, participants will grapple with the intended and unintended consequences of giving space to certain voices—and the risks of shutting others out. Together, we will explore how a democracy can foster robust dialogue while protecting dignity, collective sense-making, and the conditions for a healthy, inclusive community.