Rap On Trial Symposium to debate first amendment rights, use of lyrics in court

Panel discussions and interactive resources at Dillard University will center on educating a wide range of audiences on policies affecting artists and musicians. Free and open to the public

Dillard University’s Center for Racial Justice will host the Rap On Trial Symposiumpresented by AMP PR on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

The symposium is a multi-panel event held to address the issue of law enforcement and prosecutors utilizing rap lyrics as evidence of a crime. Even with recent law passage in two states, defense attorneys across the nation still face the possibility of having to defend lyrics in the courtroom.

Rappers have long had their lyrics used against them as evidence in criminal trials. Following a recent public outcry, lawmakers across the country have begun to discuss legislation that would provide guardrails on a practice that has been used to criminalize artistic expression, writes DJ Bluetec of HipHop Canada.

Four in-depth panel discussions and interactive educational resources will center on educating a wide range of audiences to create change in policies affecting artists and musicians. Topics include: Defending Lyrics in the Courtroom: A Question of Free Speech & Racial Bias, Unpacking the Biases & Changing the Narrative, Protecting Your Art: A Panel for Hip Hop Artists & Musicians, and Policy, Change, and the Path Forward.

Killer Mike, Mac Phipps, and Rap On Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America co-author Erik Nielson are headlining conversations within the event. The Symposium’s lineup of moderators and panelists include New Orleans artist and activist Nesby Phips, The Movement Made Us co-author David Dennis Jr., Wendy Day of Rap Coalition, Tulane University professor Corey Miles Ph.D., Angelique Phipps of AMP PR, BE NOLA executive director Adrinda Kelly, Baton Rouge detective Kevin Miller, VOTE’s deputy director Bruce Reilly, and journalist Leslie D. Rose.

Registration is free and open to the public.