The Chicago Thinker proudly announces the American Identity Summit on May 10th, 2025, from 9am-6pm in the Rubenstein Forum, the first of its kind at the University of Chicago. As the only conservative and libertarian student publication at the University, the Chicago Thinker champions free expression, open debate, and fearless journalism as an antidote to pervasive cultures of censorship and conformity within academia. At a time of growing cultural division and political uncertainty, the American Identity Summit offers a rare opportunity for across-the-aisle debate and free expression regarding foundational questions of America’s enduring soul. What does it mean to be an American in 2025? What does American citizenship behold? What should be the future of American education, economic policy, and America’s role in the world?
In search of answering these questions, the American Identity Summit has assembled a dynamic and politically diverse group of speakers from politics, industry, and free media to grapple with specific aspects of American identity. Cenk Uygur, Clay Travis, Jonathan Turley, and Nadine Strossen will explore growing challenges to free speech in America and the role of independent journalism in shaping public discourse, as well as the impact of censorship on America. Paul Vallas, Dorian Abbot, John Heiderscheidt and Robert Bortins will analyze the nature, responsibilities, and challenges of citizenship in the context of new academic curricula, policy decisions, and cultural influences on the next generation of American students. Alex J. Pollock, Heidi Heitkamp, Jon C. Phillips, and Victor Gutwein will discuss economic mobility, barriers to innovation, and American monetary and fiscal policy in the context of achieving the American Dream. Dean of the College Melina Hale will detail UChicago’s place in a changing nation, and Nikolas Ferriera will offer an international perspective on global shifts towards conservatism due to American politics. Finally, Curt Mills and Paul Poast will address what America’s role in the world ought to be for prosperous economic and diplomatic flourishing.
Join the movement, purchase tickets here. Lunch and two snacks are included.