This conference will bring together experts in higher education, law, religion, history, philosophy and human rights to take a fresh look at the "conscience clauses" of the First Amendment, which affirm the right to free speech and free exercise of religion. Speakers will address the historical and philosophical themes that unite these clauses, as well as the tensions between them that underlie contemporary debates over free speech, religious freedom, and the role of religion in public life. (Additional information about the program can be found at the website listed below).

Speakers include Floyd Abrams, noted First Amendment attorney; Ram Cnaan, University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work; Elizabeth J. Coleman, Anti-Defamation League; Norman Dorsen, NYU School of Law; Marci Hamilton, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Luke Charles Harris, Vassar College; Marjorie Heins, Free Expression Policy Project; George Kannar, SUNY Buffalo Faculty of Law; Alan Kors, University of Pennsylvania; Barry Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State; Vincent McCarthy, American Center for Law and Justice; Robert O'Neil, University of Virginia Law School and Thomas Jefferson Center; Anthony R. Picarello, Jr., The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; Rosemary Salomone, St. John's Law School; Rev. Carlton Veazey, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; James Weinstein, Arizona State College of Law.

Mohonk Mountain House, a national historic landmark hotel, is 90 minutes north of New York City and is readily accessible by car, bus and train.

The fee for the conference is $289, which includes lodging at Mohonk Mountain House and all meals during the conference, plus registration and conference materials. (Some scholarships are available.) For information or reservations, call Carolyn Honold at 914-257-3240 or e-mail bufanoj@newpaltz.edu. Space is limited. Please reserve as early as possible.