Kegley Institute’s spring lecture to feature Author Pete Davis

Author and civic advocate Pete Davis will serve as the featured speaker at the Kegley Institute of Ethics' spring lecture. The free event, titled "Free Speech's Habitat: A Call to Action for Civic Reforestation," will be held on April 15 at 6 p.m. in the Doré Theatre.

Davis has written several books, including "Dedicated: The Case for Commitment in an Age of Infinite Browsing" and "How To Get Away: Finding Balance in our Overworked, Overcrowded, Always-On World." He has also written opinion pieces for outlets including The New York Daily News, The Guardian and America Magazine.

Davis is a co-producer of the award-winning 2023 documentary "Join or Die," which focuses on the impact that community connections and club participation has on the health of American society and democracy.

The film is based on the work of political scientist Robert Putnam and his book "Bowling Alone," which details how an erosion of community involvement and connection among Americans has led to increased loneliness and social isolation.

Davis' lecture is just one of several events being held by the Kegley Institute of Ethics (KIE) this semester.

"Our events this spring invite us to consider how we can both stand by our values and connect with others across differences in a time of changing technology and growing polarization," said KIE Director Dr. Nate Olson. "I look forward to hearing a wide range of thoughts from our speakers, the campus and the community all spring."

Here is a schedule highlighting other spring KIE events that are being planned:

Feb. 6: KIE Faculty Colloquium: "Teaching AI Ethics: How Public Relations-Based Materials Can Make a Difference" with Dr. Kyung Jung Han, 12 p.m. in the Humanities Complex Conference Room. Advance registration required.

Feb. 13: Ethics in Film, 6 p.m. in the Student Housing East Multipurpose Room.

Feb. 19: Ethics Bowl, 5:45 p.m. on the Student Union Multipurpose Room.

March 12: KIE Campus Conversation: Perspectives on Academic Freedom at CSUB, 5 p.m. in the Stockdale Room.

April 9: KIE/CERC Community Conversation: Energy Sustainability and Data Centers. CERC Conference registration required.

April 10: Civil Disagreement Faculty Pedagogy Presentations, 1 p.m. via Zoom. Advance registration required.

April 17: KIE Faculty Colloquium: "Lecturers' Experiences of Equity and Ethical Treatment in Academia" with Dr. Allison Evans, 12 p.m. in Administration Building Room 101. Advance registration required.

May 1: KIE Valley Strong Student Fellow Presentations, 12 p.m. in the Humanities Complex.

Visit the Kegley Institute of Ethics website and social media accounts for more information about these and other events.