This free event will offer a new perspective on the rule of law

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Augustana University Center for Western Studies.

Simplified: During a consequential election year, the Augustana University Center for Western Studies (CWS) is looking to ignite a conversation about the rule of law and the future of our democracy during the 27th Annual Boe Forum on Public Affairs featuring author and New York Times Columnist David Brooks.

Why it matters

  • Brooks' talk is entitled "America at the Crossroads: The Rule of Law and the Future of Democracy" – an especially relevant topic because he's speaking two weeks after Super Tuesday when the greatest number of U.S. states hold primary elections and caucuses.
  • The Boe Forum is a premier program of the CWS, which is celebrating its 60th year of operations in 2024. This year's event takes place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 at the Augustana University Elmen Center.
  • The CWS selected Brooks as a speaker because of his career in media and his ability to address the current political division and what it might mean for our country's future.
"With it being an election year – and probably one of the most polarized elections – David Brooks sits close to the middle and will offer a good perspective," said Kamryn Miller, education assistant with the CWS.

Tell me more about David Brooks

Beyond the New York Times, Brooks has been featured in the following media:

  • NPR’s All Things Considered,
  • NBC’s Meet the Press,
  • New Yorker,
  • Washington Post,
  • and Forbes.

Prior to joining the Times in 2003, he held positions at Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Newsweek and The Weekly Standard.

  • He has also been awarded more than 30 honorary degrees and authored a half-dozen books.

In his work, Brooks seeks to explore and explain humanity and the way we live — underscoring the value of community and importance of nourishing both the inner and social self on our journey to a fulfilling life.

  • Published in October 2023, Brooks’ most recent book, "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen" is a guide to fostering authentic connection in a society plagued by loneliness and fragmentation.

What do I need to know about the event itself?

The Boe Forum will take place Tuesday, March 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event is expected to start at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are free to the public, but they do need to be acquired beforehand. It's likely the event will sell out, Miller said.