Joan E. Bowes - James Madison Distinguished Speaker Series with Jeff Jacoby, The Boston Globe Op-Ed Columnist

Location

Warren Hall, Grace Courtroom

free

USD School of Law is pleased to announce that Jeff Jacoby will deliver the 2023 Bowes-Madison Distinguished Speaker Series on Tuesday, November 14, Grace Courtroom, Warren Hall.

"The Conservative Case for Open Immigration"

Throughout American history, the topic of immigration has always evoked strong feelings. In the contemporary political arena, many on the right want to sharply restrict the inflow of newcomers, while those on the left tend to favor letting more foreign migrants in. But Jeff Jacoby, a longtime Boston Globe columnist, argues that a policy of open immigration is the approach his fellow conservatives should embrace.

Jeff Jacoby has been an op-ed columnist for The Boston Globe since February 1994. Seeking a conservative voice, The Globe hired him away from The Boston Herald, where he had been chief editorial writer since 1987. The Boston Phoenix has dubbed his twice-weekly essays "a must-read," describing him as "the region's pre-eminent spokesman for Conservative Nation."

A native of Cleveland, Jeff Jacoby graduated with honors from George Washington University in 1979, and from Boston University Law School in 1983. He briefly practiced law at the nationally renowned firm of Baker & Hostetler, returning to Boston in 1984 to work on a political campaign. In 1985-87, he was an assistant to Dr. John Silber, the president of Boston University.

For several years, Jacoby was a political commentator for WBUR, Boston's National Public Radio affiliate. He also hosted "Talk of New England," a weekly television program. He is a frequent guest on radio talk shows across North America. He serves on the board of directors of the Ford Hall Forum, the nation's oldest free public-lecture series.

In 1999, Jacoby became the first recipient of the Breindel Prize, a $10,000 prize for excellence in opinion journalism. In 2004, he received the Thomas Paine Award of the Institute for Justice, an award presented to journalists "who dedicate their work to the preservation and championing of individual liberty."

Jeff Jacoby is married to the former Laura Weller. They live in Massachusetts with their sons, Caleb and Micah.

ABOUT THE JOAN E. BOWES - JAMES MADISON DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

Established by long-time La Jolla resident and civic activist Joan E. Bowes, the speaker series was created to promote the open exchange of ideas and to inspire law students and other members of the San Diego community. Bearing the name of James Madison—fourth president of the United States and "Father of the Constitution"—this annual series brings distinguished speakers from the fields of law, diplomacy, government and politics to the University of San Diego.