Real Diversity: Issues Discussion at the Marquette Law School

We just got this via e-mail:

Tuesday, August 28th—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editor-in-Chief Marty Kaiser—Are newspapers becoming obsolete in today’s rapidly changing media world? What role do they play in shaping public policy? Marty Kaiser, the editor of the state’s largest newspaper, joins the Law School’s Mike Gousha for the first of this fall’s series of conversations with local and national newsmakers. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Thursday, September 13th—Talk radio host Charlie Sykes—What is the impact of talk radio on public policy? Well-known talk radio and television host Charles Sykes visits the law school to talk about his role in the public arena. The author of six books, including the best-selling A Nation of Victims, will also discuss his latest book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Tuesday, September 25th—Milwaukee Attorney Cory Nettles—He’s the former State Commerce Secretary and is now a partner at Quarles and Brady in Milwaukee, but he is doing much more than practicing law at a major firm. Learn about his efforts to create new business opportunities in Milwaukee and transform our community. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Wednesday, September 26th—Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker will discuss the future of the county and his political future. The County Executive will also give us a preview of his proposed budget which will be unveiled the following day. – Room 325, Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 3rd—Washington Post Associate Editor Kevin Merida—Who is Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas? Award-winning journalist Kevin Merida offers his insights into one of the most powerful but private men in America. An Associate Editor with the Washington Post, Merida is the co-author of the new book, Supreme Discomfort, a profile of Justice Thomas. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 4th—The Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee—He’s the leader of southeast Wisconsin’s 675-thousand Catholics. Archbishop Timothy Dolan joins us for a candid discussion of the challenges facing the Church. The Archbishop will also offer his perspective on key issues facing Milwaukee. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), 12:10 to 1:00 p.m

Tuesday, October 9th—State Senators Alberta Darling and Lena Taylor—Is state government working the way it’s supposed to work? Or is it broken, beset by partisan bickering? Two powerful state lawmakers, Republican Alberta Darling of Mequon and Democrat Lena Taylor of Milwaukee, visit the Law School to offer their views on the state of our State and discuss how business is done in Madison. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Friday, October 12th—PBS News Anchor Jim Lehrer—He’s the popular host of PBS’s nightly newscast, “NewsHour.” Jim Lehrer is an acclaimed journalist, the moderator of numerous presidential debates, and the author of more than a dozen books. Lehrer will visit the Law School to talk about his nightly broadcast, his experiences in journalism, and the changing media world. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 17th—Midwest Airlines CEO Tim Hoeksema—The man who runs Milwaukee’s popular hometown airline will offer his unique perspective on the efforts to buy Midwest and the sometimes competing interests of shareholders, employees, and communities. Tim Hoeksema shares a real-life lesson from the business world when he visits the Law School October 17th. – Eisenberg Memorial Hall (Room 310), Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 23rd—Attorney Dean Strang—What impact are “new” media and the “information age” having on our justice system? Dean Strang, the lead defense attorney on the Steven Avery murder trial, shares his experiences and concerns when he visits the Law School. – Room 325, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m

Thursday, October 25th—Rev. Robert A.Wild, S.J.—Here’s your chance to hear from the man at the helm of Marquette University. Robert A. Wild, S.J., President of the University, joins us to talk about the Law School, the University, and other matters of interest. – Room 307, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.

What is so odd about this lineup of speakers?

Simple: it’s ideologically balanced. Leaving aside some speakers who won’t be talking about things that are ideologically polarizing, it contains about an equal number of liberals and conservatives.

This stands in stark contrast to most programming at Marquette, and indeed at colleges generally.

It’s called the free market of ideas. Something academics used to claim they believed in (when it served their interests) but increasingly reject.