“Panic Attack” Book Event with Robby Soave at Arizona State University

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey will introduce libertarian author and noted first-amendment advocate Robby Soave at a lecture and book signing on Wednesday, September 4, at Arizona State University at 5 p.m.

The event, co-sponsored by Arizona State University’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership and the Goldwater Institute, a Phoenix-based think tank, will discuss Soave’s reporting on the cultural and intellectual underpinnings of this particular moment in campus political life.

Soave is an associate editor at Reason.com and the author of the book “Panic Attack,” which traces the way political polarization has manifested itself on college campuses since the 2016 election. Soave’s book profiles college radicals from across the political spectrum to begin to answer questions about the rising demand for safe spaces, instances of silencing of views that groups find disagreeable and even occasional violent political protest. 

Arizona State University has long been a place welcoming of diverse opinions. It has received a coveted “Green Light” from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, and is listed as one of “10 Colleges Where You Won’t Have to Walk on Eggshells” by the Heterodox Academy.  

Leaders at the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership work to foster an environment of dispassionate debate about important academic and civic topics on campus, and study ways to expand that culture to other places in our society. 

“In our first two years, the school has offered ASU and the Arizona community a new space for civil discourse,” said Paul Carrese, the founding director of the school. “We’re very glad to begin our third year with a series of speakers who bring intellectual diversity and high-level discussions to our campus. 

The Goldwater Institute is dedicated to advancing the principles of individual liberty, including free speech. Founded in 1988, the Goldwater Institute works nationwide to advance, defend and strengthen the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. 

“Arizona State University is the perfect place to have a discussion of free speech and civil discourse because the university has always welcomed differing viewpoints,” said Goldwater Institute President and CEO Victor Riches. “We’re excited to welcome Robby to Arizona, and we’re glad to partner with ASU’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership for this important discussion of the state of campus free speech.” 

Governor Ducey, himself a fan of Soave’s work, has been a strong supporter of the mission of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership and the work of the Goldwater Institute. 

“The School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership is honored to welcome Governor Doug Ducey for this event,” Carrese said. “We know he supports SCETL’s civic and educational mission to provide a space for viewpoint diversity and civil disagreement at his alma mater.” 

The event is free and open to the public, however registration is required. To register for the event please visit bit.ly/RobbySoave.