Big Data: Understanding Algorithmic Power

This symposium will explore the legal and ethical implications of big data discrimination and algorithmic-derived discrimination. Recent reports have indicated that big data tools and algorithmic-driven decision making protocols can be used to isolate, analyze, and discriminate against individuals based on race, gender, religion, voting habits, residency, consumer behaviors, health status, and other data characteristics. This Symposium aims to deepen the conversation on the impact of the growth of algorithmic-centered power in the private and public sectors. 

March 30, 2017
Millhiser Moot Court Room 

Hosted by:

  • Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice, Washington and Lee University School of Law

Cosponsored by:

  • Provost's Office, Washington and Lee University
  • Class of 1960 Institute for Honor
  • Frances Lewis Law Center, Washington and Lee University School of Law
  • Mudd Center for Ethics, Washington and Lee University
  • Washington and Lee Black Law Students Association
  • Future of Privacy Forum
  • Data & Society Research Institute

SYMPOSIUM AGENDA

10:00 - 10:10 am 
Welcome

Brant J. Hellwig, Dean, Washington and Lee University School of Law

10:10 - 11:30 am Panel Discussion
BIG DATA ETHICS IN RESEARCH METHODS

Moderator:

Victoria Shannon Sahani, Associate Professor of Law, Washington and Lee School of Law

Panelists:

Deven Desai, Associate Professor, Law and Ethics Program, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Tech

Mark Van Hollebeke, Privacy Practitioner-in-Residence at Data & Society Research Institute, Senior Privacy Strategist, Microsoft

Janine Hiller, Professor of Business Law, Department of Finance, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech

Jules Polonetsky, CEO, Future of Privacy Forum

Kevin Werbach, Associate Professor of Legal Studies and Business Ethics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

11:30 - 11:45 am 
Break

11:45 am - 12:40 pm 
Lunch and Keynote

IntroductionMargaret Hu, Associate Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University School of Law

Keynote: Charlton McIlwain, Associate Dean of Faculty Development & Diversity, and Associate Professor of Media, Culture and Communication, Steinhardt School, New York University

12:40 - 12:50 pm
Break

12:50 - 2:00 pm Panel Discussion
UNDERSTANDING BIG DATA DISCRIMINATION

Moderator:

Anjanette (Angie) Raymond, Assistant Professor of Business Law and Ethics, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law, Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Panelists:

Dennis Hirsch, Professor of Law and Director, Program on Data and Governance, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Professor of Law, Capital University Law School [via Skype]

Anne Washington, Assistant Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University

Christopher Wolf, Partner, Hogan Lovells & Founder, Future of Privacy Forum

2:00 - 2:10 pm 
Break

2:10 - 3:20 pm Panel Discussion
IMPACT OF BIG DATA-CENTERED & ALGORITHMIC-CENTERED POWER

Moderator:

Rachel Levinson-Waldman, Senior Counsel, Liberty and National Security Program, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University School of Law

Panelists:

Jessica Eaglin, Assistant Professor of Law, Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Joshua Fairfield, Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University School of Law

Margaret Hu, Associate Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University School of Law

Amos Jones, Associate Professor of Law, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law

3:20 - 3:30 pm 
Closing Remarks

Charli Gibbs-Tabler, Symposium Editor, Journal of Civil Rights and Social Justice, Washington and Lee University School of Law