General Purpose of Conference:

• To critically examine the precept that American and British universities and the scientific communities in these countries are, and should be places, in which people are free to "think the unthinkable, discuss the unmentionable, and challenge the unchallengeable." (Quoting 1975 Statement of Yale Committee on Freedom of Expression).
• Specifically, the conference will investigate if there are in fact "unchallengeable orthodoxies" in these communities, and to the extent there are, whether there should be.
• Case studies of restrictions on ideas and research on racial differences, treatment of dissenters about global warming and the exclusion or marginalization of those who believe in creationism or intelligent design.

Date: March 19-20, 2009.

Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ.

Format:  A select group of scholars from many disciplines will meet to discuss these issues amongst themselves for a day and half in the presence of a small group of invited auditors (e.g., a few invited graduate students and ASU professors).  The conference is by invitation only .

Sponsors:  Arizona State University (Center for Law, Science and Technology); Cambridge University (Centre for Public Law); The Biodesign Institute; and Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

Cambridge Anniversary:  This event will be held in connection with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the founding of Cambridge University.