New Freedom Center debate series brings national experts to address ESG

The UArizona Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, in collaboration with the National Review Institute, is hosting a debate on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) that is free to attend and open to the public.

The event was conceived by Saura Masconale, associate director of the Freedom Center and assistant professor of political economy and moral science, and organized with Mary L. Rigdon, director of the Freedom Center and associate professor of political economy and moral science. Masconale’s research addresses how ESG impacts not just corporations but also individual liberties and society. It is a national issue with global implications.

“I began researching ESG well before it went mainstream and expected to find diversity in how corporations addressed the issue, much like how a store would offer red and blue shoes to cater to differing consumer preferences,” Masconale said. “However, I quickly discovered that corporate ESG initiatives leaned overwhelmingly toward one political side, which I think raises crucial questions about our democratic engagement and might trigger a risk of increased polarization. Since then, there have been equally vigorous responses on the anti-ESG side, which raises additional questions on the relationship between ESG and democracy.”

Corporations and investors have embraced ESG initiatives that address climate change, gender and racial equality, workplace diversity, and critical social and political matters. These initiatives aim to shape how companies account for and disclose their environmental impact, address social challenges, and make decisions that have both immediate and long-term consequences. However, these choices raise questions, such as measuring the effect of ESG-related decisions on firm performance, assessing the legitimacy of these decisions, aligning ESG initiatives with fiduciary responsibilities, and the implications of these initiatives for freedom of speech.

Masconale believes the debate is significant because the ability to engage in vigorous and respectful conversation is just as important as the issue itself.

“Bringing both sides together to engage in a spirited civil debate will help Arizona leaders, students, and the public understand the issue and its implications for the future,” she said.

The debate lineup includes:
- Moderator: Ari Fleischer, former White House press secretary
- Moderator: Robert Gibbs, former White House press secretary
- Panelist: Andrew Behar, chief executive officer of As You Sow, a shareholder advocacy nonprofit
- Panelist: Kevin Hassett, former chairman of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers
- Panelist: Dawn Jones, chief diversity and inclusion officer & vice president of societal impact at Intel
- Panelist: Kimberly Yee, state treasurer of Arizona

This debate launches the Freedom Center debate series and will delve into the complexities of ESG by engaging some of the most distinguished voices in the field.

“This aligns with the Freedom Center’s mission to promote viewpoint diversity and recognize the value of varied perspectives, especially about controversial, divisive issues,” Masconale said. “Our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of ESG and allow the public to draw their own conclusions.”

The inaugural debate is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Follow this link for additional information and registration details.