19th Annual Conference on America’s Founding Principles
Endowed by their Creator: The First Amendment from the Founding to the Present
February 16, 2026
Our 2026 Annual Conference on America’s Founding Principles and History will be held in February 2026, the beginning of the nation’s semi-quincentennial celebration. This conference will explore the concept of unalienable rights and their rootedness in the “Law of Nature and Nature’s God,” as well as the First Amendment’s guarantee of the right of conscience and religious liberty, including the liberties of the free exercise of religion, speech, press, and the right to assemble or petition the government. Panels will examine the meaning of religious toleration, the Judeo-Christian Roots of American Liberty, Abraham Lincoln’s invocation of religion, and why freedom of speech must be protected vigilantly as a natural right.
Events will take place in Gaines Theatre unless otherwise noted.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 a.m. | Continental Breakfast and Poster Session First Amendment Liberties, a set of academic posters will be presented by graduating American Studies students in the lobby. Posters will be available for viewing throughout the day. |
| 10 a.m. | Judeo-Christian Roots of American Liberty Mark David Hall, Professor, Robertson School of Government, Regent University |
| 11 a.m. | The Law of Nature and Nature’s God in the Declaration Joseph M. Knippenberg, Professor of Politics, Oglethorpe University |
| Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Keynote Luncheon Matthew Brogden UVU |
| 1:30 p.m. | Additional Opportunity for Viewing Student Posters |
| 2 p.m. | The American Proposition: Why the Declaration’s Ideals Must be Promoted William E Thro, General Counsel, University of Kentucky |
| 3 p.m. | The First Amendment in the Age of Rage Jonathan Turley, J.B. and Maurice C. Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law, George Washington University School of Law |