The University of Arkansas at Monticello will commemorate the third-annual National Freedom of Speech Week Oct. 15-21.

   The week celebrates the triumph of the four freedoms expressed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during World War II: Freedom of Speech and Expression, Freedom of Religion, Freedom From Want and Freedom From Fear.

   “The Constitution guarantees citizens of the United States the freedom of speech and also the freedom of the press in the First Amendment,” said Ronald Sitton, Arkansas’ state representative for the American Democracy Project’s Southern Consortium. “The campus community needs to understand that these freedoms come with responsibilities. Ultimately, we hope our events will lead to more people being involved in the political process.” 

   A showing of “Good Night and Good Luck” will be held in the Memorial Classroom Building Auditorium at 7 p.m. Oct. 16. The Academy-Award nominated film, directed by George Clooney and starring Jeff Daniels, tells the story of the conflict between journalist Edward R. Murrow and Sen. Joseph McCarthy.  

   Forensic students will debate “Is Freedom of Speech Really Free?” in the Capitol Room of the John F. Gibson University Center beginning at noon Oct. 17. 

   “It will increase awareness for issues that sometimes get overlooked and people’s willingness to get engaged,” said Scott Kuttenkuler, the chairman of the campus' ADP committee.

   According to their Web site, “The American Democracy Project is a multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement for undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. The goal of the project is to produce graduates who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy.”