SAN DIEGO – Learn about free speech, free expression and matters of local community importance.

The event, “Action Summit: Change Begins in San Diego,” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at the Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Ave.

The American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties (ACLU) is conducting the event.

Susan Herman, president of the ACLU, will give a keynote address at 12:20 p.m. during the lunch.

At 12:45 p.m., the forum, “Free Speech in First Person,” will feature past clients of the ACLU offering insights about their experiences in exercising their First Amendment rights. This forum will discuss how to handle difficult issues such as hate speech at UCSD and hate crimes at various California colleges.

Also included is Natalie Jones, the 12-year-old who challenged censorship when her research project on gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk was labeled “sex education” and required parental permission from each child in her class to hear her oral presentation.

Candidates from District 4 and District 8 will also participate in the first City Council candidate forum this election cycle, focusing on civil liberties and civil rights issues that affect community members. It is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

The summit is co-sponsored by San Diego City Beat. The event includes lunch and registration is $5.
Admission is free to students and low-income individuals.