On January 29, the Federalist Society at FIU Law hosted Ilya Shapiro to discuss his latest book, Lawless: The Miseducation of America’s Elites. Shapiro examined the erosion of free speech and critical thinking in legal education, arguing that elite law schools foster ideological conformity rather than rigorous debate, with lasting consequences for the legal profession and the country. FIU Law Dean Antony Page also addressed these concerns, highlighting how FIU Law avoids the erosion Shapiro warned of by fostering open discourse, embracing a full range of viewpoints, and promoting critical inquiry in the classroom and throughout campus.
The discussion was further enriched by the insights of special guests, including prominent criminal defense attorney Howard Srebnick, U.S. District Judge Roy Altman, and Senior U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr., who shared their perspectives on the state of legal academia and its influence on the judiciary and the broader legal landscape.
With a strong turnout of students, faculty, and guests, the event sparked a meaningful conversation on the role of law schools in shaping the nation’s future leaders. The Federalist Society at FIU Law, under the leadership of Chapter President Joseph A. D’Angelo (4L), was honored to host such a distinguished panel and looks forward to continuing discussions on these critical issues.