To replace Bergman and Feldman
Freelance journalist Vanessa Leggett, who spent 168 days in jail rather than turn over confidential information to a grand jury, will be the First Amendment Speaker at the 25th annual AAN Convention this month in Madison, Wis.
Leggett speaks at the May 30 First Amendment luncheon, replacing broadcast journalist Lowell Bergman, who canceled his appearance because of a herniated disk.
Leggett was released from federal custody in Houston Jan. 4, after serving time for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury and turn over her research into the 1997 shooting death of Houston socialite Doris Angleton.
AAN joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’ amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Leggett’s case. The Supreme Court, however, declined to review the case, which involves journalists’ privilege to withhold confidential materials.
In April, Leggett won the PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award in recognition of the 168 days she spent in the Federal Detention Center.
She is also a freelance writer and lecturer in English and criminal justice at the University of Houston Downtown. She has written scholarly articles and co-edited books published by the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI National Academy, where she has also lectured.
Leggett was released from federal custody in Houston Jan. 4, after serving time for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury and turn over her research into the 1997 shooting death of Houston socialite Doris Angleton.
AAN joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press’ amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Leggett’s case. The Supreme Court, however, declined to review the case, which involves journalists’ privilege to withhold confidential materials.
In April, Leggett won the PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award in recognition of the 168 days she spent in the Federal Detention Center.
She is also a freelance writer and lecturer in English and criminal justice at the University of Houston Downtown. She has written scholarly articles and co-edited books published by the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI National Academy, where she has also lectured.
In another schedule change, Dan Savage, editor of The Stranger in Seattle, will be master of ceremonies at the Alternative Newsweeklies Award luncheon May 31. He is replacing NPR’s Michael Feldman, who cancelled due to a scheduling conflict.
Savage writes “Savage Love,” a weekly syndicated sex advice column. He also is the author of “The Kid: What Happened After My Boyfriend and I Decided to Go Get Pregnant: An Adoption Story,” published in 1999 by E.P. Dutton.
