Upcoming Institute for Advancing American Values events invite conversation and exploration

Boise State's Institute for American Values fosters respectful dialogue and critical thinking about the values that shape the U.S. It champions free expression, curiosity and respect. Two upcoming events on campus will focus on current issues.

• Bronco Convo: noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24, Student Union Farnsworth Room

This fall, the institute launched Bronco Convos.

"Bronco Convos is about creating a space outside of the echo chambers online for our campus community to explore and hear a range of perspectives on specific issues," said Isaac Castellano, the institute's associate director. "Our larger mission is to help facilitate civil discourse on the questions of the day, and these events serve that purpose."

The topic on Sept. 24 is the end of the United States Agency for International Development, which has been the main way for the federal government to distribute international aid. This Bronco Convo will focus on arguments for and against the decision.

Check the Bronco Convo webpage for a list of suggested (not required) readings and data.

Future events are planned for Oct. 9 and 24, Nov. 7 and 18 and Dec. 5.

• AI Forum: 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, Student Union Special Events Center

This series features debates and panels offering expert discussion about issues facing our state and the country. The series is free and open to the public. No RSVP or ticket required.

The topic for this first event of the fall semester: Should Artificial Intelligence be regulated?

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live and work, offering new tools for efficiency and problem-solving. With its benefits come serious risks-like the spread of misinformation and deepfakes, threats to privacy and intellectual property, and even concerns about its use in warfare. Questions of accountability in an AI-driven world add to the challenge. At the same time, regulating AI isn't simple. Rules can stifle innovation, struggle to keep pace with rapid advances, and bump up against international limits. This panel will explore these opportunities and risks and what they mean for decision-makers in Idaho, the U.S., and around the world.

On the panel: Brad Frazer, partner at Hawley/Troxell; Liza Long, associate professor of English at the College of Western Idaho; Michael Lycklama, sports writer, Idaho Statesman and chair, Idaho News Guild and Boise State panelists Edward Ferrier, visiting clinical assistant professor of philosophy; Kelly Arispe, launch director in the School for the Digital Future; and Ira Burton, director of the School of Computing.

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