Idaho Free Speech Summit
Sponsored by Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, the University of Idaho College of Law and Boise State University Institute for Advancing American Values
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. MT
Lincoln Auditorium (WW02), Idaho State Capitol
700 West Jefferson Street – Boise
*Live Webcast available via Idaho Public Television
4.0 CLE credits
Registration: Free
Mission
The mission of the Idaho Free Speech Summit is to bring together policymakers, thought leaders, elected officials, students, and engaged citizens to reaffirm the importance of the First Amendment, encourage civil debate, and strengthen public understanding of free speech, free association, and civic participation.
Through thoughtful discussion and practical education, the Summit will promote a renewed commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms and fostering a healthier public square in Idaho and across the country.
Program
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
Secretary Phil McGrane
An overview of the Summit and the importance of free speech, civic debate, and public
participation.
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Session I: Can Government Transparency Coexist with Donor Privacy?
Privacy, donor disclosure, and freedom of association
Moderator: Secretary Phil McGrane
Panelists:
Allen Dickerson, The Federalist Society
Chief Justice Robyn Brody, Idaho Supreme Court
Colin Nash, Boise City Council
Senator Todd Lakey, Idaho State Senate
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Session II: Can We Regulate Elections Without Regulating Speech?
Political speech, election administration, and public trust
Moderator: Brian Kane, Dean, University of Idaho College of Law
Panelists:
Don Palmer, The Heritage Foundation
Dr. Scott Warren, SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University
Phil McGrane, Idaho Secretary of State
Representative Bruce Skaug, Idaho House of Representatives
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Session III: Have We Forgotten How to Disagree?
Civil discourse, campus speech, and the culture of debate
Moderator: Debbie Critchfield, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction
Panelists:
Dr. Andrew Finstuen, Boise State Institute for Advancing American Values
Cade Syvock, TPUSA BSU President
Representative Barbara Ehardt, Idaho House of Representatives
Representative Ilana Rubel, Idaho House of Representatives
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: What Is the Future of Free Speech in the States?
A moderated discussion on protecting speech, encouraging civic participation, and strengthening
public trust.
Moderator: Melissa Davlin, Idaho Public Television
Panelists:
Phil McGrane, Idaho Secretary of State
Allen Dickerson, The Federalist Society
Don Palmer, The Heritage Foundation
Brian Kane, University of Idaho College of Law
Matt Edwards, Citizens Alliance of Idaho
