Helms School of Government to host ‘Legacy of Freedom’ public policy conference March 18-20

The Liberty University Helms School of Government will host its fifth annual public policy conference, “Legacy of Freedom: Then & Now,” March 18-20, featuring an impressive lineup of guest speakers and 50 student and faculty presentations.

The event is free and open to the public.

Special guests speaking in plenary sessions include Todd Gathje, vice president of government relations for The Family Foundation; Marco Margheri, head of Eni’s US Relations and chairman of Eni New Energies US Inc.; Dr. Zoltan Feher, professor at George Washington University; Dr. Wayne Hugar, former Navy Intel Officer and current professor at National Intelligence University; and many other public policy, national security, and intelligence experts from conservative think tanks and high levels of government.

Many of the presenters are students, who began preparing in September and will share solutions to legal and regulatory issues, including how to uphold liberty and justice, address foreign policy, and tackle a variety of current and pressing national and domestic policy issues. The conference welcomed papers dealing with the protection and development of freedom in all policy areas, from domestic and international policy to public safety and criminal justice. Presentations will center on supporting and defending the nuclear family, freedom of speech, the role of the Church, the sanctity of life, and constitutional preservation.

The plenary sessions will be held in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom. The conference break-out panels, presented by students, faculty, and guests, will be available in person and remotely. Plenary sessions will be recorded and open to in-person attendance.

“An academic conference can force a scholar out of the ivory tower to grapple with issues in real time with like-minded folks who are passionate about these issues,” said Department Chair for Government and Professor of Government Dr. Kahlib Fischer. “There are always interesting times and complex challenges. There’s never been a period in history where everything is simple and straightforward. There are always tangled and messy problems that need thoughtful analysis and discussion. In keeping with Liberty’s mission, we want Champions for Christ who are comfortable and competent discussing these complex issues.”

Associate Professor of Government Dr. Mary Prentice said the conference is a great opportunity for students to research, present, and accept feedback.

“Our focus is always on giving our students professional development opportunities to shine. We know in the real world that they need opportunities to speak well, to write well, and to research well. In any job that God opens up for them, they will need to have those skills.”

This year’s conference comes as the School of Government celebrates its 20th anniversary and as the United States prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence in the summer of 2026. A special birthday party for the Helms School will take place Tuesday evening.

The School of Government and its Journal of Statesmanship & Public Policy are cooperative sponsors for the conference.