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The Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture
The annual public lectureship carries McCarthy’s deep commitment to the ideals and principles of democratic self-government. It seeks to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, effect positive change in their communities, and, like McCarthy himself, lead with honesty, integrity, and courage.
I am hopeful that this challenge may alleviate this sense of political helplessness and restore to many people a belief in the processes of American politics and of American government.
-Eugene J. McCarthy
Announcing the 2024 Eugene J. McCarthy Lecture
Thursday, September 19, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m
Disagreeing Better
“Disagreeing Better”: the 18th Annual Eugene McCarthy Lecture on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Saint John’s University’s Steven B. Humphy Theater. We are delighted to welcome John Inazu, Washington University law professor, First Amendment expert, and author of Learning to Disagree.
This will be an extra special evening — think C-SPAN meets Saturday Night Live — because Professor Inazu will be interviewed by Tane Danger and joined by the cast of the Theater of Public Policy, a brilliantly funny improv comedy group.
A pre-event reception is open to the public – with registration required. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. at Saint John’s University in the Founders Room, Quad 170. Please register for the reception by completing this short form (click link).
Those who register for the reception will have reserved seating at the 7:00 p.m. program. Other seating is first-come, first-serve in the Humphrey Theater.
Learning to Disagree: Lessons from a Law Professor and Improv Comedy
18th annual Eugene McCarthy Lecture Series and the Keynote Launch Lecture for Disagreeing Better @ CSB+SJU
John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. His latest book is Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect (Zondervan, 2024)
Inazu is also the author of Liberty’s Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly (Yale University Press, 2012) and Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference (University of Chicago Press, 2016). He is co-editor (with Tim Keller) of Uncommon GroundL Living Faithfully in a World of Difference (Thomas Nelson, 2020).
Inazu is the founder of the Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship, a senior fellow with the Trinity Forum, and a senior fellow with Interfaith America, where he co-directs (with Eboo Patel) the Newbigin Fellows.
The Theater of Public Policy is America’s unique civics-inspired improv comedy troupe. Since 2011, they have hosted over 300 live and online shows across the U.S., blending expert interviews with witty improv performances. Covering diverse topics like housing, climate science, and gun rights, their shows are both educational and entertaining. They have featured notable guests including Vice President Elect Tim Walz, Senator Tina Smith, and Congressman Dick Gephardt. Led by Tane Danger, an improviser with a master’s in public policy, the troupe also collaborates on innovative events – from live quiz shows to virtual museum guides – where creativity meets intelligence in engaging new ways.