Speaker
Feb 9, 2026: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Stackhouse Theater
"Breaking out of the Originalism Trap: Constitutional Interpretation and Multiracial Democracy" will discuss the rise of originalism-- the theory that judges should interpret the Constitution exactly as conservatives say the Founders meant it-- and how it has been used to roll back civil rights. The lecture will also argue for a new model of legal interpretation that disentangles the Constitution's ideals from originalist ideology and underscores the ambition of the Reconstruction Amendments, which were adopted in the wake of the Civil War and sought to build a democracy with equal membership for marginalized persons.
Madiba K. Dennie is an attorney, columnist, and professor whose work focuses on fostering an equitable multiracial democracy. The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back is her first book. Dennie is the Deputy Editor and Senior Contributor at the critical legal commentary outlet, Balls and Strikes. In her previous role as a counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, she provided legal and policy analysis regarding a range of democracy issues including the census, the courts, and attempts to disempower communities of color. Her legal and political commentary has been featured in the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and more. Dennie has also taught at Western Washington University and NYU School of Law. She earned her law degree from Columbia Law School and her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, where she concentrated in Politics and earned a certificate in African American Studies.
This event is co-sponsored by the History Department; Frances Lewis Law Center; Dean's Office; Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; Journalism and Mass Communications Department; Politics Department; Sociology and Anthropology Department; and Law, Justice, and Society Program.
Monday February 9 at 5:30 PM in Stackhouse