Chippewa Valley Times

Russian political activist and former world chess champion Garry Kasparov is set to speak at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on May 1. The event, titled “Individual Rights and Democracy: A Conversation with Garry Kasparov,” will take place at 7 p.m. in Schofield Auditorium. Kasparov's presentation will focus on global democracy and human rights.

According to Dr. Eric Kasper, professor of political science and director of the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies, Kasparov is renowned for his insights on representative government and freedom worldwide. Kasperov's discussion will touch upon his personal experiences, including the challenges he faced growing up in the Soviet Union and his decision to move to the United States in 2013 to escape authoritarianism in Russia.

Kasparov's appearance aligns with the 2024 national Law Day theme, “Voices of Democracy,” emphasizing the importance of individual rights and democratic principles. Throughout his career, Kasparov has been a vocal advocate for democratic reform and has actively supported movements for political change, particularly in Russia.

Having been the youngest world chess champion at age 22 and a top-rated player for two decades, Kasparov is recognized not only for his achievements in chess but also for his efforts in promoting democracy and human rights. He is currently based in New York, where he continues his activism and authorship, advocating for freedom and democracy.

The event is sponsored by the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies, UW-Eau Claire Pre-Law Club, and the university’s Chess Club. Free tickets for the presentation can be obtained online.

In addition to Kasparov's talk, Dr. Wayne Au will address Asian American identity and the politics of race in education as the featured speaker for the university's 20th annual lecture on May 2. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has also been recognized for the second consecutive year as a gold-level Military Friendly School for its commitment to supporting the military community. Furthermore, Dr. Mary Hoffman has been appointed as the permanent associate vice chancellor for academic affairs after serving in an interim capacity for nearly four years.