Freedom of Expression, Academic Inquiry & Inclusive & Productive Discourse with Leila Brammer

ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!

(Click on "Registration" (blue hyperlink under the date) to begin the process.)

This workshop is for all—with a focus on middle & upper school.
Each attendee must enroll separately. There is no group discount for this workshop. To register for ISACS events, you MUST be signed into the Member Portal. Please see "Registration Tips" located at the bottom for more information.

Questions? Contact the ISACS Professional Learning Team at programinfo@isacs.org.


Join us for a comprehensive workshop dedicated to fostering freedom of expression & open inquiry within educational settings.

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. 


Presenter:

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.


Accommodation at Virgin Hotel Chicago

Virgin Hotel Chicago
203 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL
View Hotel Directions / View ISACS Classroom Directions

Event Room Rate: $109/night* + tax
The rate includes guest Wi-Fi, access to the hotel’s gym, and one complimentary drink voucher per room.

*This rate is valid for the night of Thursday, Janaury 15, 2026. Rooms must be booked before midnight, December 22. Room Block availability is limited and may be reached prior to deadline. We recommend booking as soon as possible. 

  • Book your room here using the discounted ISACS rate or call (312) 940-4400 and mention the ISACS Room Block to receive the discounted rate.
  • Please note if you need a room with two beds or want to extend your stay, please contact programinfo@isacs.org for assistance.

Is Your School Paying for Your Accomodations? 
A credit card is required to make a hotel reservation. At check-in, guests must present a credit card in their name—either a personal or school credit card—to cover hotel charges. If a guest does not have a school credit card and the school intends to pay for the hotel charges, please contact karen@isacs.org several weeks prior to arrival. This will allow time for a school representative to complete the hotel’s credit card authorization form. Once the form is submitted and approved for all charges (room, tax, and incidentals), the guest will not need to present a credit card at check-in.

Cancellation
Hotel cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to arrival to avoid one night room and tax charge.

Overnight Parking
The overnight valet rate at the Virgin Hotel Chicago is $79/night (inclusive of tax). Rates are subject to change.

Stay in The Know
Learn more about the Virgin Hotel's complimentary Loyalty Program "The Know".

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.


ISACS Policies & Disclaimers

During onilne registration, you will be prompted to acknowledge the ISACS Policies & Disclaimers for Professional Learning Events. ISACS reserves the right to revoke the registration and end the participation of any registrant, school, or school community that does not follow these policies and disclaimers.


Workshop Enrollment

Registration Fees:

  • $225 per person for ISACS members / $325 per person for non-members
  • The workshop includes coffee/tea, continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.

Important Details:

  • Each attendee must enroll separately.
  • There is no group discount for this workshop.
  • To register for ISACS events, you MUST be signed into the Member Portal. 
  • Once registration is complete, the registrant will receive a confirmation email with details and a separate email that includes a paid receipt or an invoice. ISACS will send a final confirmation approximately one-week prior to the workshop

Cancellation Policy for ISACS In-Person Workshops
Cancellations for workshops held at the ISACS classroom must be received by email to programinfo@isacs.org ten business days prior to the event to receive a refund. ISACS will determine the refund amount, if any, on a per workshop basis and may be unable to determine the refund amount until the workshop’s conclusion. At any time, registration may be transferred to another member from the same school. If a workshop has a waitlist and ISACS can identify a replacement, a full refund will be provided. ISACS reserves the right to cancel the workshop for insufficient enrollment. In this case, participants will be notified and will receive a full refund. If you feel ill or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please remain at home.

Questions?
Please contact programinfo@isacs.org 

 

More information
When:  Jan 16, 2026 from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (CT)