Get involved with the exciting and engaging lectures, film screenings, workshops and
symposiums happening at the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity
in the Coles College of Business.
Spring 2026 Lectures
Grover Norquist
Speaker: Grover Norquist Founder and President of Americans for Tax Reform
In his lecture, Grover Norquist outlines the central argument of his book: that the modern Republican and conservative coalition is fundamentally a “Leave Us Alone” coalition. He asserts that what unifies these groups is a shared desire for the government to minimize interference in key areas of their lives—particularly their money, their guns, and their personal freedoms.
Norquist contrasts this with what he describes as the Democratic coalition, which
he characterizes as more fractious because it consists of groups that seek government
engagement, resources, or regulation to achieve their goals. According to Norquist,
this structural difference explains why conservatives tend to unify more easily around
smaller government principles, while Democrats face more internal tension among constituencies
competing for government action.
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Time: 9:05 am Location: Convocation Center, 2016
Description: This powerful historical drama follows William Wilberforce, a British politician driven by faith and moral conviction to end the transatlantic slave trade. The film traces his decades-long struggle against political opposition and entrenched economic interests, highlighting his alliance with reformers and his perseverance through illness and setbacks. Culminating in the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, Amazing Grace celebrates one of history’s most significant victories for human dignity and justice.
