On Thursday, April 4, SMU Dedman Law School will host its first annual “Neutral Ground” program.  The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in conjunction with two of our student organizations, the Federalist Society and the Justice Initiative, is launching “Neutral Ground” to make space for dialogue that examines the nuances of the issue presented and allow for education and discussion that brings together varying viewpoints. 

This year’s topic is History and Tradition: Activism or Restraint.  Our hope is that the event will offer our community the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation about the parameters for and impact of the use of history and tradition in constitutional interpretation (especially of the 14th Amendment).  The format for the program is a moderated conversation with two speakers who will provide some context and perspective on the development of the issue and its modern-day application.