The Value of Broad Perspectives and Free Speech - A Panel Discussion

Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m.- Noon
Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building, Towsley Auditorium
4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor

This panel discussion featuring U-M scholars will focus on:
*free speech and how it impacts our society
*how to talk across the divide
*barriers to listening, especially our emotional reactions

Featuring (visit our Programs and Activities page for full length bios): 

  • Jack Bernard, U-M Associate General Counsel
  • Anne Berg, Ph.D., U-M Department of History
  • Loraleigh Keashly, Professor, Communication, College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, Wayne State University

OLLI members are dedicated to learning, but in our complex world it’s hard to separate the real information from the noise, making us polarized around political issues. This panel discussion will help us unravel these barriers by helping us appreciate the value of a broader and more receptive perspective, the critical role played by free speech, and how we can productively engage others. A Q&A period will follow the presentation.

Cost: Free to OLLI members
$5 for non-members
Registration required - capacity limited. Online registration is not available for this course. Please email olli.info@umich.edu to register.

OLLI's Journey to Freedom Day Trip happened on July 10th.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan was established to encourage adults to continue their learning long after formal schooling is done. The Institute’s popular programs help mature adults to rediscover the piquancy of learning — the joy of discovery and feelings of accomplishment that are unencumbered by tests, grades, or drills.

This year’s programs feature:

  • Seven lecture series totaling 43 presentations, with average attendance over 275 people;
  • more than 150 study groups on a wide variety of topics;
  • casual, friend-producing programs on evenings and weekends — well-suited to people not yet retired;
  • day-long travel ventures to midwestern venues.

30 years of service to adult learners ages 50+

OLLI in Action

Watch our video to see how our programs impact our members' lives.

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Upcoming Events
OLLI Reads!

On November 2nd, OLLI will offer its first OLLI Reads! OLLI members will read a book at the same time and then come together for a presentation by the author followed by lunch and table discussions. Literati will be selling the book, Number One Chinese Restaurant, at a $5 discount for OLLI members. Just mention that you are an OLLI member and they will take $5 off! (more)