The Institute for Media & Public Trust at Fresno State is bringing First Amendment experts and New York Times reporter Manny Fernandez to campus this September for two timely programs examining free expression in a divided country, journalism and the responsibilities of the press.

On Sept. 17, Constitution Day, the Institute will host “The First Amendment Under Fire,” a discussion featuring First Amendment experts who will examine the challenges facing freedom of speech and the press today. The program will explore the power — and peril — of free expression in an open society.

The forum will begin at 5 p.m. at the Smittcamp Alumni House. The event is free and open to the public.

Then, on Sept. 30, New York Times reporter Manny Fernandez will return to campus to discuss the reporting behind the newspaper’s investigation into Cesar Chavez, which brought renewed scrutiny to the labor leader’s legacy amid allegations of sexual abuse. Fernandez, a Fresno State graduate, will discuss the investigation and the reporting process with his New York Times reporting partner, Sarah Hurtes.

Fernandez is a 1997 graduate of the Media, Communications and Journalism Department. In 2021, he was inducted into the MCJ Hall of Fame.  

The program will be held at the Satellite Student Union at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The First Amendment program is sponsored by the Institute for Media and Public Trust. the First Amendment Coalition, the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and Valley Public Radio (KVPR).

The Manny Fernandez program is sponsored by The President’s Office at Fresno State, the Institute for Media and Public Trust. the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and Valley Public Radio (KVPR).