Arizona Talks hosted a special Constitution Day event on September 17, 2025, at Empire in Scottsdale, Arizona. People from across the political spectrum came together to reflect on the Constitution’s meaning today, the importance of the First Amendment, and practical ways we can all help build a more perfect union.
Highlights:
- Opening remarks from Carlos Alfaro on the mission of Arizona Talks: fostering fact-based, civil debate on tough issues like elections, immigration, education, gun rights, and more.
- Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky read the Preamble and called for civil dialogue in the wake of recent tragic events.
- Chris Kline (Arizona Media Association) previewed a statewide, nonpartisan education town hall airing across 400+ Arizona media outlets.
- Rep. Matt Gress discussed Article V, the evolution of free speech protections, and why listening is as vital as speaking in a democracy.
- ASU Law Vice Dean Angela Banks explored our shared responsibility to “know, care, and act,” and how due process applies to “all persons.”
- Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick reflected on separation of powers, the courts’ role in protecting liberty, and how civil discourse can counter polarization.
- Audience Q&A covered free speech, hate speech, judicial independence, elections, gerrymandering, and fostering curiosity and humanity across differences.
- Laura Terech (Arizona America 250 Commission) shared statewide programming and a traveling museum ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Key themes:
- Free speech and the duty to listen
- Civic education and participation at every level
- Courts as guardians of constitutional rights
- Building bridges through curiosity, humility, and shared purpose
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome & Mission — Carlos Alfaro
03:30 Preamble & Remarks — Mayor Lisa Borowsky
08:15 Media/Statewide Education Town Hall — Chris Kline
12:00 Constitution Reflections & First Amendment — Rep. Matt Gress
26:30 Know, Care, Act — Vice Dean Angela Banks (ASU Law)
31:00 Courts, Liberty, and Civil Discourse — Justice Clint Bolick
43:00 America 250 — Laura Terech
47:00 Panel Q&A: Free Speech, Institutions, Elections, Gerrymandering
1:23:00 Closing & Ways to Get Involved
Be part of the solution. Visit ArizonaTalks.org to learn more, become a member, donate, and find upcoming events. Invite a friend, bring your questions, and help grow a culture of respectful, informed debate in Arizona.
