Workshop Freedom of Expression, Academic Inquiry & Inclusive & Productive Discourse with Leila Brammer, University of Chicago Friday, January 16, 2026

Freedom of Expression, Academic Inquiry & Inclusive & Productive Discourse

Friday, January 16, 2026 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m. CT

Foster freedom of expression & open inquiry within your school.

This workshop will delve into classroom practices that encourage vigorous, inclusive, and productive discourse while embracing diverse perspectives and ideas. Educators will explore strategies to foster a classroom culture where students feel prepared and supported to contribute, question, and respectfully challenge ideas in vigorous and sustained discussions. 

Audience

This workshop is for all with a focus on middle & upper school faculty & administrators.

Location

ISACS Classroom • 55 West Wacker Dr #702, Chicago, IL
Travel Tips, Directions & Parking

Leila Brammer
Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, University of Chicago

Leila Brammer is the director of curriculum for the Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression at the University of Chicago. She established a nationally recognized civic learning curriculum and a community-based public deliberation and dialogue program and works with high schools, colleges, and civic leaders to build capacities for productively engaging about, with, and across differences and disagreements. At the University, she develops curricula, programming, and outreach to advance the Chicago Principles of Freedom of Expression and foster the capacity for vigorous, inclusive, and productive discourse in the classroom, campus, and civic life.

Leila Brammer

Kimpton Gray Hotel  122 W. Monroe St., Chicago

Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago

Reserve Your Room: $109/night*

Includes: Complimentary guest room Wi-Fi & access to the health club. Complimentary Wine Hour from 5-6 p.m. daily.

*plus tax. This rate is available until Midnight CT on January 5, 2026 or block reaches capacity.

Reserve by phone: (877) 771-7031 & request a room by block name (ISACS) or block code (C0Z).

Booking Tips

  • ISACS guests will not be charged the $25 fee which appears by default in the listed rate. Your rate will be $109/night +tax.
  • If you would like to extend your dates or require a room with two beds, please contact programinfo@isacs.org for assistance.

Complimentary highlights of the hotel include: a 24-hour fitness center, pet friendly policies, and complimentary coffee and tea and evening wine reception in the living room from 5–6 p.m. ISACS overnight guests will receive complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms. Learn about the IHG Rewards Club.

School Credit Cards
 If your school plans to pay directly for your hotel with the school credit card, please contact karen@isacs.org several weeks before you arrival so your school representative can complete the hotel’s credit card authorization form to have charges billed to directly to the school’s credit card. 
Parking

Overnight Valet Parking: $83/night with in & out privileges. Rate resets at 4 p.m. daily.
Overnight Self-Parking: $64/night with in & out privileges at the Poetry Garage, 201 W. Madison.
Please bring your parking ticket to The Gray’s front desk upon check-in for validation.

There are other parking garages in the area that may offer less expensive rates.
Parking fees listed above are subject to change.

Cancellation Policy Hotel cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room and tax charge.
Hotel Scam Alert ISACS does not reach out to attendees and sponsors directly to book hotel rooms. If you receive calls or emails from third-party companies, we recommend you do not provide these solicitors with any personal information including, but not limited to, making new or changing existing reservations and do not provide your credit card. If you have any doubt about the information that you are receiving regarding any ISACS room blocks, please contact programinfo@isacs.org.

Registration Fee FAQs

$225 per person for ISACS members
$325 per person for non-members

  • Each attendee must enroll separately.
  • There is no group discount for this workshop.

Registration includes:

  Coffee & tea
  Continental Breakfast
  Lunch
  Refreshments

 Log in to enroll

Questions? Contact programinfo@isacs.org
ISACS may remove a registrant from an event if they do not follow the ISACS Policies & Disclaimers for Professional Learning Events.