Renowned Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar Explores “The Founding Fathers and the Importance of Civil Discourse” in Captivating Baylor Law Lecture
On September 28, 2023, Baylor Law hosted acclaimed Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar, the Sterling Professor of Law at Yale Law School, for a compelling lecture titled “The Founding Fathers and the Importance of Civil Discourse.” The event, part of the Starr Federalist Papers Lecture Series underwritten by John and Marie Chiles, was held at 4 p.m. in the Jim Kronzer Appellate Advocacy Classroom & Courtroom at the Sheila & Walter Umphrey Law Center. A reception and book signing with Professor Amar followed.
Baylor Law’s Interim Dean and Professor of Law, Patricia Wilson, introduced this year’s lecture, highlighting the philosophical underpinnings of our American democracy established by our Founding Fathers and the role of the Federalist Papers in the adoption, ratification, and interpretation of the Constitution. She warmly thanked John (JD ’50) and Marie Chiles for their philanthropic support.
Within the context of the understandings that characterized the development of the Constitution, Professor Amar’s lecture explored the historical events and factors that led to the admission of Texas as a State in 1845. His comments emphasized the key differences between our nation’s Declaration of Independence and Texas’ declaration of independence from Mexico, including the role of slavery within our Constitutional framework. By connecting to our Constitutional past, Professor Amar encouraged attendees to develop a richer understanding of our shared history, enabling us to engage knowledgeably and civilly with one another in today’s often polarized world.
“You can disagree with people politically and still love and respect them. That’s what civil discourse is really about,” noted Professor Amar in his lecture.
The lecture engaged an audience of more than 200 faculty, staff, students, and community members, reminding all of the enduring significance of civil discourse in our Constitutional republic in shaping our nation’s history and guiding our future.
Following the lecture, attendees engaged with Professor Amar at a reception, during which discussion continued on the lecture’s themes, and Prof. Amar inscribed his books.
Akhil Reed Amar is a constitutional scholar, a best-selling author, co-editor of one of the leading constitutional law casebooks used in law schools nationwide, and a popular podcast host. He is the Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, where he teaches constitutional law in both Yale College and Yale Law School. After graduating from Yale College, summa cum laude in 1980 and from Yale Law School in 1984, and clerking for then Judge (now Justice) Stephen Breyer, Amar joined the Yale faculty in 1985 at the age of 26. Amar’s work has garnered recognition and acclaim, earning awards from the American Bar Association and the Federalist Society. His expertise in constitutional law has garnered the respect of Supreme Court justices from across the ideological spectrum, with more than 40 cases citing his contributions.
The Starr Federalist Papers Lecture Series, presented by John and Marie Chiles, is an annual series that offers Baylor Law students, faculty, and the greater Central Texas community access to renowned legal scholars who provide invaluable insights into the foundations of our nation’s legal and political principles.
After the 2023 Starr Federalist Lecture, Interim Dean Wilson noted, “We take great pride in hosting a lecture that delves into the significant roles played by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay’s Federalist Papers in shaping our Constitution. We appreciate Professor Amar’s insights into the Constitution and its formative principles. And we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous friends, John and Marie Chiles, whose philanthropic spirit and civic-mindedness make this annual lecture possible.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Ed Nelson, Director of Marketing & Communications
EMAIL: Ed_Nelson@Baylor.edu
PHONE: 254-710-6681
ABOUT BAYLOR LAW
Established in 1857, Baylor University School of Law was one of the first law schools in Texas and one of the first west of the Mississippi River. Today, the school has more than 7,800 living alumni. It is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Baylor Law has a record of producing outstanding lawyers, many of whom decide upon a career in public service. The Law School boasts two governors, members or former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, two former directors of the FBI, U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, justices of the Texas Supreme Court, and members of the Texas Legislature, among its notable alumni. In its law specialties rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Baylor Law's trial advocacy program as one of the top 5 in the nation. Baylor Law is also ranked in the top 50 in the magazine's 2019 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools." The National Jurist ranks Baylor Law as one of the "Best School for Practical Training," and in the top 15 "Best Law School Facilities" in the country. The Business Insider places Baylor Law among the top 50 law schools in the nation. Baylor Law received the 2015 American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award, making it only the third law school in the nation to be honored with the award since the award's inception in 1984. Learn more at baylor.edu/law
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more at baylor.edu
