Unpopular Protests

We will have a discussion with Gregory Johnson, the defendant in the case Texas v. Johnson. In the 1980s, Mr. Johnson burned the American flag to protest President Reagan's policies. His case made its way to the Supreme Court, which held that symbolic speech is protected by the First Amendment. Mr. Johnson will discuss his experience with his 1984 arrest and subsequent case in the Supreme Court and the importance of protest in today's political environment. He will be joined by Professor Sheldon Nahmod of Chicago-Kent. A reception will follow the event.