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University Communications

Nationwide Debate Series on Religious Freedom Opens at University of Richmond's Law School

October 6, 2006

Two nationally-renowned experts on religious freedom will square-off in a debate over religion in public schools at University of Richmond’s School of Law Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Jeremy Gunn, director of the ACLU’s program on freedom of religion and belief, will take on Kevin “Seamus” Hasson, president of the Beckett Fund for religious freedom. The debate will be moderated by Law School Dean Rodney Smolla, who is also a nationally-known expert on religious freedom.

Audience members will have the opportunity to quiz Gunn, Hasson and Smolla following the formal debate.

Thursday’s event is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

University of Richmond chapters of the American Constitution Society and Federalist Society along with John M. Templeton, M.D. are co-sponsors of the debate.

This event kicks off a series of debates that will take place at law schools nationwide over the next 18 months. The Council for America’s First Freedom created the debate series in order to educate the public on all sides of the issue and encourage open dialogue.