Crossroads (no lunch) | Is freedom of speech in jeopardy?

Is freedom of speech in jeopardy?

Mark Kende
Director of Drake Constitutional Law Center
Drake Law School

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OCTOBER 17, 2025  |  11:45 AM – 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines
** in-person event **

The First Amendment and freedom of speech – revered by most Americans. But are the challenges we are seeing in current times placing its real meaning in danger? Join us for a conversation with Mark Kende, First Amendment expert, to learn a little bit about the history of “freedom of speech,” its evolution, and the challenges it is facing today.

You may make your reservation to attend in-person (no lunch) by clicking on the "Register Now" button. There is no cost for this option, but we must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.

If you have any issues registering, please email info@interfaithallianceiowa.org or call 515.279.8715.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER | Mark Kende is the James Madison Chair in Constitutional Law at Drake Law School as well as Director of the congressionally endowed Drake Constitutional Law Center. He has been a Visiting Professor at Notre Dame School of Law and the University of Paris Faculty of Law, Pantheon. In addition to his book, Constitutional Rights in Two Worlds: South Africa and the United States from Cambridge University Press, Professor Kende has also authored many law journal articles on freedom of expression. He was a Senior Fulbright Scholar and Chair of the Section on Constitutional Law for American law schools. Before entering academia, Professor Kende was a civil rights lawyer in Chicago. He attended Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.