New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet to Speak at Muhlenberg College

Baquet will address issues related to the First Amendment, journalism’s essential role in a democratic state and the concept, portrayal and pursuit of truth in society.

By: Bill Keller  Tuesday, March 10, 2020 01:09 PM

Dean Baquet - NYTPhoto by Todd Heisler, The New York Times.

We are sorry to report that this event has been postponed. We hope to reschedule our speaker's visit for the Fall 2020 semester.

"A Conversation with New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet: Journalism’s Role in Democracy, the Fight for the First Amendment and the Pursuit of Truth in the 2020 Election and Society" was scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 16.

New York Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet began his tenure as editor in May 2014 after earlier roles as managing editor and Washington bureau chief. His career includes appointments as a reporter and editor for The New York Times; as managing editor and editor of the Los Angeles Times; and as a reporter with the Times-Picayune (New Orleans) and the Chicago Tribune, where he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on corruption in the Chicago City Council.

The conversation with Baquet will be facilitated by Professor of Political Science Christopher Borick. Baquet’s visit will include a classroom discussion with students on the First Amendment, journalism and truth in media and public opinion.

Baquet has been a staunch defender of the First Amendment and a news media under increasing attack. Defense of press rights has a long history at The Times, which in 1964 took this battle to the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Times v. Sullivan case, in which the newspaper successfully argued against attempts by public figures and government from using libel laws to intimidate journalists.

This event will be sponsored by the media & communication and political science departments at Muhlenberg College and is supported by Muhlenberg College, PBS39 and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

About Muhlenberg College
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg is a highly selective, private liberal arts college offering baccalaureate and graduate programs. With an enrollment of nearly 2,000 students, Muhlenberg College is dedicated to shaping creative, compassionate, collaborative leaders through rigorous academic programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; selected preprofessional programs, including accounting, business, education and public health; and progressive workforce-focused post-baccalaureate certificates and master’s degrees. Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, approximately 90 miles west of New York City, Muhlenberg is a member of the Centennial Conference, competing in 23 varsity sports. Muhlenberg is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.