CWU hosts First Amendment Festival

To honor the First Amendment, the CWU Department of Communications and The Daily Record will host the First Amendment Festival May 11 through 14 with a series of events in celebration of the freedoms of speech, religion, the press and peaceful assembly and demonstration. All events are free and open to the public. The events kick off Monday, May 11 at 4 p.m. in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) Ballroom with ?An American Activist in Palestine: Remembering Rachel Corrie? featuring keynote speakers Craig and Cindy Corrie, parents of the 23-year-old political activist who was killed by an Israel Defense Forces bulldozer while protecting the home of a Palestinian family in a combat zone in the Gaza Strip. Following the speech, there will be a screening of excerpts from a documentary about Corrie as well as a stage performance by Theatre students of ?My Name is Rachel Corrie.? In addition, a panel discussion about Corrie?s life and peaceful activism with her parents and various CWU professors will conclude the evening. Other events throughout the week include the CWU Lion Rock Visiting Writers Series? presentation of poet and literary advocate Allison Joseph Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the SURC Theatre and a ?Marketplace of Ideas? in the SURC tabling area on Wednesday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where attendees can find more about First Amendment awareness by visiting with various advocacy clubs and organizations. In addition, everyone is encouraged to participate in ?Food for Thought? Thursday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the SURC East patio, during which attendees will have the chance to trade their First Amendment rights for a slice of free cheese pizza. Ongoing events include ?Free Speech Walls? on the SURC East and West patios Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. where everyone will be able to exercise their freedom of speech, along with ?Make Your Own Protest Sign? tables on the SURC East and West patios Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to provide a space to share feelings and stances on today?s pressing issues. For more information please call 509-963-1063 or email communication@cwu.edu.