The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (Catholic Law) will host the annual Seigenthaler-Sutherland Cup National First Amendment Moot Court Competition in March 2024. As part of Catholic Law’s First Amendment Initiatives, the competition’s annual precursor event, the Seigenthaler Debates, will occur virtually on February 27, 2024, sponsored jointly with the Law School’s American Constitution Society and Federalist Society chapters.

Featuring Jenin Younes of the New Civil Liberties Alliance arguing in favor and Robert Charrow, former General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), arguing in opposition, the 2024 debate will concern the following resolution: “Restrictions on public funding of scientific research that are based on consensus/orthodox definitions of ‘science’ are unconstitutional conditions.” Moderated by Judge Justin Walker of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, the event will consist of back-and-forth dialogue addressing such questions as “Who speaks for science?”, “What is consensus?”, and “What is a scientific opinion?”. Audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions to the participants through the moderator.

Registration to attend the 2024 Seigenthaler Debates is available at law.edu/debates.

The beginning of the Seigenthaler Debates dates to 2022, when Catholic Law hosted the inaugural program as part of its First Amendments Initiatives. That year’s resolution was “Internet platforms should be treated like common carriers.” It was based on the then-timely concurring opinion of Justice Clarence Thomas in Biden v. Knight First Amendment Institute. The following installment, in 2023, presented a resolution based on the landmark 1964 case New York Times v. Sullivan: “The legal regime for defamation inaugurated by New York Times v. Sullivan is too protective of free speech over reputation.” Both the 2022 and 2023 debates are available for viewing on YouTube.