The #metoo social movement, which began in 1996 with Tarana Burke but has recently gained momentum, has become a rallying cry for women and men who have been the victims of sexual harassment and assault. Using social media, victims of sexual harassment and assault have been able to share their stories in an environment where they will be believed and understood. 

In some cases, the law failed to bring the assailant to justice or provide any remedy for the victim.  It took a cultural change and a social media movement to at least get these men fired.

This half-day symposium will delve into the protections the law offers and what we can do when the law fails the victims. The symposium will bring legal experts, scholars and activists together to discuss how the #metoo movement has brought about social change, how the law can assist with those changes and protect victims better and what we can do outside the law to keep the movement going.

The symposium will close with remarks from Mary Ann Franks, a national expert on online abuse and discrimination.

A light breakfast will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast

9 a.m. Welcome and opening remarks
Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear

9:15 a.m. Panel 1: What the Law Does and Can Do
Moderator: Professor Dan Canon
Panel: Elizabeth Howell, Gretchen Hunt, Professor Ariana Levinson

10 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. Panel 2: What We Can Do Without the Law
Moderator: Professor JoAnne Sweeny
Panel: Dr. Cherie Dawson-Edwards, Hallie Dizdarevic, Councilwoman Jessica Green

11:30 a.m. Break

11:45 a.m. Keynote speaker
Professor Mary Anne Franks

12:15 p.m. Closing remarks

12:30 p.m. Symposium ends