The Westport Library, in partnership with the award‑winning CT Mirror, is inviting Westport residents to a free, public discussion of the First Amendment. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., will be held in the library’s main meeting room at 20 Jesup Road.
Who’s speaking
Presiding over the conversation will be Connecticut Superior Court Judge Daniel Klau, a longtime defender of constitutional rights on the bench. Joining him are two nationally recognized experts: Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times who has covered civil liberties and the evolving legal landscape of free speech, and Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting free expression across the region.
What will be covered
The panel will explore several pressing issues that affect Westport families and the broader Connecticut community:
- Local journalism: Judges and journalists will discuss recent legal battles that threaten the ability of small news outlets to report without fear of costly lawsuits.
- Campus speech: With public universities facing increasing pressure to regulate student expression, the speakers will examine how constitutional protections apply on campus and what parents should know.
- Artificial intelligence: The rise of AI‑generated content raises new questions about misinformation, liability and the role of free speech in a digital age.
- Community impact: How First Amendment rights intersect with family values, faith‑based expression and the everyday life of Westport residents.
Why it matters to Westport
Westport has a proud tradition of vibrant civic discourse, from town‑hall meetings to local church gatherings. Protecting the right to speak, write and worship without government interference is a cornerstone of that tradition. As Judge Klau notes, “A free press and open dialogue are essential to a healthy community where families can make informed decisions guided by faith and conscience.”
Emily Bazelon will bring a national perspective, highlighting recent Supreme Court decisions that reinforce the protection of speech, even when the ideas expressed are unpopular. Silverman will share practical advice for citizens who wish to defend their rights, whether by attending school board meetings, writing op‑eds or supporting local nonprofits that champion free expression.
How to attend
The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about constitutional freedoms. No registration is required, and there is no cost. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating, as space is limited.
For additional information, please contact the Westport Library at (203) 555‑1234 or visit the library’s website. The CT Mirror will also provide live updates on social media for those who cannot attend in person.
About the organizers
The Westport Library has long served as a hub for community education, offering programs that range from literacy workshops to public policy forums. The CT Mirror, a nonprofit newsroom recognized with the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting, continues its mission to hold power accountable and inform citizens across Connecticut.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
