Compassion Beyond Borders: Spirituality, Migration and Moral Courage in Public Life

Event description

Community service
Free
Inclusion
Open to the public

Drawing on his experience as a humanitarian aid volunteer, educator and defendant in a landmark religious freedom case, Scott Warren reflects on what it means to act with compassion when moral conviction collides with state power.

Warren will explore how spirituality—beyond formal religious affiliation—can compel acts of care for migrants in the borderlands and beyond, and how humanitarian acts can be criminalized, contested and defended in federal court.

This lecture invites the community to consider migration, law and humanitarian aid through the lens of moral courage and to grapple with what our deepest values demand in moments of human suffering and political conflict.

This event is part of the Spirituality and Public Life Initiative, made possible by a generous donation to the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict.

Held in partnership with the Civil Rights, Migration and Workplace Law Initiative at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law; Religious Studies in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies; School of Transborder Studies; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning; Committee for Strategic Charter Initiatives in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change; and No More Deaths at ASU.

About the speaker

Scott Warren Headshot

Scott Warren is a geographer and humanitarian aid volunteer known for his work with No More Deaths in Ajo, Arizona, providing water, food and shelter to migrants in the Sonoran Desert. His 2018 arrest for “harboring” was followed by a 2019 acquittal, affirming humanitarian aid as a moral imperative. He continues his research as a geographer and his humanitarian work, guided by his spiritual beliefs in the sacredness of land, life, and place.

Logistics

This event is hosted by the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and will take place on the ASU Tempe campus in West Hall, Room 135, and will be live streamed through the Center's YouTube channel and on ASU Live. Whether you plan to participate via livestream or in-person, we appreciate you taking a moment to register, which is required for this event. Your confirmation and reminder email will provide detailed directions to the venue, including parking information and key livestream details.

The lecture will consist of a special lecture by Scott Warren and short moderated discussion, followed by audience Q&A and a reception offering light refreshments.

Registration details:

Free and open to all.
Register to guarantee your seat.
Classes and groups are welcomed to attend! Please contact us directly with your request

Event contact

Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict

480-965-7187

[email protected]

Date

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

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Time

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm (MST)

Location

West Hall, Room 135

1000 Cady Mall Tempe AZ 85281

Cost