The New College Foundation’s 2020–2021 New Topics lecture series features national speakers from a broad range of disciplines exploring topical issues. To mark New College’s 60th anniversary, this year’s series features noteworthy alumni whose New College experiences prepared them for lives of note and careers of exceptional impact.

The six-part series runs October through March and will be presented via the Zoom platform. Each lecture will be presented at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds go to fund student scholarships. Registration is required and can be made at ncf.edu/new-topics or by calling the New College events hotline at 941-487-4888. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to allow for processing and receipt email for Zoom link. The series is free for New College students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This event is made possible, in part, by Sarasota Magazine.

New Topics 2020–2021 Speakers

Thursday, October 1, 2020
“Privacy and Accountability: Not a Contradiction”
With Dr. Anita L. Allen

Dr. Allen will explore how ideals of freedom and moral responsibility for personal conduct can be squared. The pandemic of COVID-19 and increased state and industry surveillance raise this issue acutely.

Anita L. Allen (’70–’74) is the Henry R. Silverman Professor of Law and professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania and a global thought leader in the fields of privacy law, data protection, and ethics.

Thursday, October 15, 2020
“Understanding the 2020 Presidential Election: What's Going to Happen? What Does It Mean?”
A Panel Discussion with Eric Schickler and Alexis Simendinger

This panel discussion, moderated by Susan Burns (’76–80’), editor-in-chief of Sarasota Magazine, will provide an overview of what political science can tell us about the 2020 election—what to expect, what to watch for on election night, and how to think about the results.

Eric Schickler (’87–91) is the Jeffrey & Ashley McDermott Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley and the author of six books, including Investigating the President: Congressional Checks on Presidential Power (2016, with Douglas Kriner).

Alexis Simendinger (’75–81) is an award-winning journalist who has covered the White House, Congress, national affairs, and presidential politics for respected, nonpartisan news outlets in Washington since 1986, reporting on five presidents, including Donald Trump.

Thursday, November 12, 2020
“Challenge and Response: Facing Hard Choices in a Time of Economic Crisis”
With William Dudley

Thanks to the pandemic, the United States plunged from a record-breaking economic expansion to a severe recession. What choices do we need to make to reverse that trend and secure our economic future?

William Dudley (’71–’74) is a senior research scholar at Princeton University’s Center for Economic Policy Studies. He served as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 2009 to 2018 and was also the vice chairman of the Federal Open Market Committee.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021
“Inclusion at any Cost? When New College was ‘Home’ to a White Nationalist”
With R. Derek Black, Allison Gornik, and James Birmingham

At a moment when colleges around the country, including New College, are doubling down on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, what can we learn from the turmoil and angst experienced 10 years ago, when New College students discovered that among their number was a young leader in America’s white nationalist movement?

More than merely a member of the movement, Derek Black served as a site moderator for Stormfront, America’s first “White Pride” website, created by his father and white nationalist movement leader Don Black. Many students demanded that Black be expelled. Should the college congratulate itself for Black’s eventual renunciation of the white nationalist values he grew up with? When a community member’s political beliefs are perceived to be a clear and present danger to the community, what is the appropriate response for the community and its leadership?

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Bill Woodson, Dean of Outreach and Engagement and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at New College.

Thursday, February 18, 2021
“Reflections on a Congressional Career: Lessons for Today’s Politics”
With Lincoln Díaz-Balart

Reaching agreement is often a difficult task, but in a democracy, lasting progress is only possible through dialogue. What makes true dialogue possible?

Lincoln Rafael Díaz-Balart (’72–’76) is a Cuban-American attorney, consultant, and human rights advocate. He represented South Florida in the Florida Legislature from 1986 to 1992, and in Congress from 1993 to 2011.

Thursday, March 18, 2021
“Cybersecurity and Civil Liberties”
With Jennifer Granick

The ability to speak, organize, and create was revolutionized by the internet, but technology has also been an engine for both public and privacy surveillance, opening up opportunities for civil liberties abuses and discrimination. To mitigate those abuses, individuals have been demanding improved cybersecurity measures, and so the political playing field has shifted to a battle over encryption. In this talk, Granick will explore the current debate and legislative proposals and offer tips on how people can protect themselves and get involved.

Jennifer Granick (’86–’90) is the ACLU’s surveillance and cybersecurity counsel. Granick is well known for her work with intellectual property law, free speech, privacy law, surveillance, and other things related to computer security. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden described her as an “NBA all-star of surveillance law.”

New College of Florida

Located in Sarasota, New College of Florida has educated intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement since its founding in 1960. As the State of Florida’s designated honors college, New College provides an exceptional education that transforms students’ intellectual curiosity into personal accomplishment. The 110-acre campus on Sarasota Bay is home to more than 700 students and 80 full-time faculty engaged in interdisciplinary research and collaborative learning. New College offers nearly 40 areas of concentration for undergraduates and a master’s degree program in Data Science.