School of Social & Behavioral Sciences Seminar
Freedom at the core
The First Amendment in a digital democracy
A Constitution Day Event
Casper College Talking T-Birds (9 a.m.)
We the Aggrieved
The Casper College Talking T-Birds Forensics Team presents an original performance examining the First Amendment right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Drawing from constitutional scholarship, historical documents, and dramatic literature, the performance traces how citizens have used petition and dissent to shape American democracy. Through research and interpretation, the Talking T-Birds explore a freedom often overlooked in public conversation, the right not only to speak, but to be heard.
Daniel “Mr. G” Gallegos (9:30 a.m.)
No, YOU Move!
Captain America once planted himself like a tree and told the world. That same defiant spirit is baked right into the First Amendment’s Freedom of Assembly—the right to gather, speak out, and push back when power gets too big. In this fast, fun 20-minute lecture, Mr. G breaks it all down: why the Founders put this right in the Constitution (to stop tyranny before it starts), why we still exercise it today (from campus walkouts to nationwide movements), and exactly how to do it right—peacefully, powerfully, and legally—so your voice actually lands instead of getting shut down. Expect epic Captain America: Civil War references, the legendary “Avengers Assemble!” battle cry, and pop-culture moments that turn into straight-up superhero action. The lecture ends with an immersive VR experience that drops you straight into historic assemblies—so you can feel the power of the crowd for yourself.
Bridget Veauthier (10 a.m.)
Freedom of Religion: Foundations, Tensions, Futures
Why did the founding fathers decide to enshrine the freedom of religion as part of the First Amendment? This session will explore the historical, philosophical, and constitutional roots of this fundamental right. What are some of the modern conflicts surrounding religious freedom in our current society? Where does your religious freedom end and another person’s begin? With an eye to the future, we will examine how to negotiate the boundaries of religious liberty while promoting tolerance in our pluralistic society.
Peter Van Houten (10:30 a.m.)
The Great American Misunderstanding
Can journalists really print anything they want in the name of “exposing the truth”? Not quite. While many people view freedom of speech as a free pass for the press, it actually protects citizens from government interference—and journalists still need evidence to back up what they publish. In this lively talk, Van Houten separates fact from fiction and explores the myths, realities, and everyday challenges of life inside a newsroom.
Keynote: Pete Williams (11 a.m.)
A Free Press in Peril and Why it Matters
The founding fathers felt so strongly about the young nation’s need for a free press that they explicitly protected it in the Bill of Rights. But more than two centuries later, American journalism faces challenges that threaten its ability to keep citizens informed. Some are the result of economic and technological pressures, and others come from a government that views a free press as hostile. Despite these threats, recent developments provide hope that the mission the founders endorsed can endure.
Living Room Conversation (1:30 p.m.)
Freedom
Freedom is a key concept in America’s founding documents. We are proud to be a free people. This said, there are legitimate differing interpretations of what freedom means. “Live and let live” is great until the freedom to use my property as I see fit interferes with your property. Or when someone’s speech harms another person’s freedoms. Is it ever good for the government to limit an assembly of citizens? How do we celebrate our freedom and care for it so that it reflects our highest values? This conversation asks key questions and invites you to explore the many facets of freedom.
Bios
The Casper College Speech and Debate Team
The Casper College Speech and Debate Team is an award-winning competitive forensics team that has been competing since 1978. Members of the Casper College Forensics Team compete in a variety of events sponsored by the American Forensics Association (AFA), Phi Rho Pi (PRP), and the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA). Members of the team range from very experienced to those who have never competed in forensics. The team travels for competition in the Rocky Mountain region (Montana, Wyoming, Colorado), culminating with competition at the Phi Rho Pi Community College National Tournament in April. The team also participates in competition at the International Forensics Association tournament. These tournaments have been held in locations such as Spain, the Czech Republic, Argentina, England, and Germany.
Students have the opportunity to compete in Limited Preparation events (Impromptu, Extemporaneous Speaking), Platform events (Persuasive Speaking, Informative Speaking, Communication Analysis, After Dinner Speaking), Interpretation events (Dramatic Interp, Prose Interp, Poetry Interp, Program Oral Interp, Dramatic Duo Interp), Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Parliamentary Debate.
Peter Van Houten
Peter Van Houten earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wyoming, before beginning his career as a writer for the Green River Star. He later served as editor of the Sierra Sun in California and managing editor of the Appaloosa Journal in Idaho before returning to Casper to join Wyoming Medical Center. There, he advanced from writer to marketing director and executive director of the WMC Foundation. In 2004, he joined Casper College as a communication instructor, later serving as dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and interim vice president for academic affairs. Now back in the classroom, he plans to finish his career teaching. Van Houten also holds an MBA from the University of Wyoming and a doctorate in leadership from Colorado State University.
Daniel “Mr. G” Gallegos
Daniel “Mr. G” Gallegos is the kind of Political Science instructor who turns “Introduction to Government” into your favorite weekly debate club. A U.S. Army veteran who served three tours and later worked for Senator John Barrasso, Mr. G brings real-world firepower to every lecture—then makes complex policy feel surprisingly chill and hilarious. He is an instructor, Director of Casper College’s Honors Program, and advisor to the Indigenous Student Alliance. He is on a mission to spark civic responsibility in every student. He is called “El Jefe” for a reason: he’s the professor who genuinely wants you to level up—not just pass the test, but understand power, history, and your role in shaping both. Five minutes with him, you’ll leave knowing how government really works… and probably quoting Captain America while you’re at it.
Bridget Veauthier
Bridget Veauthier is a philosophy and psychology instructor at Casper College. In her 18 years at the college, she has enjoyed teaching courses at the intersection of the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences, including ones in philosophy, psychology, religion, and gender and women’s studies. Veauthier received her bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. Although she did not grow up in Wyoming, she has lived here for 25 years and loves the outdoor and recreational opportunities the state offers. In her free time, she attends numerous sporting events for her four children, enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing with her family, and volunteers with the Casper Nordic Club and the Friends of Washington Park Pool.
Keynote
Pete Williams
Pete Williams covered the US Supreme Court and the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security for NBC News for 29 years as a correspondent based in Washington, DC.
The Atlantic called him the “media hero of the Boston bombing coverage” for his “clear, careful, accurate reporting in a sea of media confusion.” Regarding his live account of the Supreme Court’s decision ending the 2000 presidential election dispute, George W. Bush wrote, “I probably became the first person to learn he had won the presidency while lying in bed with his wife watching TV.”
Williams is the recipient of four national news Emmy awards, two Edward R. Murrow awards, and the John F. Hogan award from the Radio Television Digital News Association. He is now a member of the board of directors of WyoFile, a non-profit news organization in Wyoming.
Prior to joining NBC News, Williams was an aide in the US Senate and House of Representatives. In 1986, he joined the staff of then-Congressman Dick Cheney as press secretary and legislative assistant. In 1989, when Cheney became Secretary of Defense, Williams was confirmed by the Senate as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.
A native of Casper, Wyoming and a 1974 graduate of Stanford University, Williams was a reporter and news director at KTWO-TV and Radio in Casper from 1974 to 1985. He successfully lobbied the Wyoming Supreme Court to permit broadcast coverage of its proceedings and twice sued Wyoming judges over pre-trial exclusion of reporters from the courtroom. For these efforts, he received a First Amendment Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Schedule
Wednesday, September 16
Wheeler Concert Hall, Music Building, Casper College Campus
- 8:55 a.m. – Welcome
- 9:00 a.m. – “We the Aggrieved” – Casper College Forensics Team
- 9:30 a.m. – “No, YOU Move!” – Daniel Gallegos
- 10:00 a.m. – Freedom of Religion: Foundations, Tensions, Futures – Bridget Veauthier
- 10:30 a.m. – The Great American Misunderstanding – Peter Van Houten
- 11:00 a.m. – Keynote: A Free Press in Peril and Why it Matters – Pete Williams
- Noon – Invited Lunch (GW 322)
- 1:30 p.m. – Freedom – Living Room Conversation
Location: T-Birds Nest, Third Floor, Union/University Building, Casper College CampusLiving Room Conversations are guided discussions on specific topics that facilitate connection between people despite their differences in age, politics, gender and/or nationality. By listening to one another, people can identify areas of common ground and shared understanding no matter the subject. The end result is revitalized civil discourse across America.