Ford Hall Forum: Red Baiting Then and Now – The Dangers of Fascism Today

Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University presents

Michael Meeropol, son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, in conversation with Paul Solman, PBS NewsHour correspondent

In the 1950s, many Americans feared that McCarthyism marked the first step toward full-blown authoritarian fascism. Fortunately, the nation avoided that fate then; however, today the specter of authoritarianism has become both real and visible. Understanding the current actions of the Trump Administration is essential. Just as McCarthyism demonized communists, today’s far-right movement targets “woke” liberals, “criminal” immigrants, “Antifa terrorists,” and LGBTQ individuals accused of “grooming.” This demonization fosters ignorance, denies truth, fuels violence, and encourages the use of state power to strip away basic rights. In his talk, Meeropol will examine the striking parallels—and crucial differences—between the Red Scare and the Trump era. He argues that while elements of fascism existed in the 1950s, the threats we face today are deeper, more organized, and more dangerous.

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Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 6:00pm

Suffolk University's Modern Theatre
525 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111

Admission is FREE. Tickets are required. This event is open to the public. 

Walk-up tickets will be available to reserve at the Modern Theatre box office day-of, subject to availability.

The Modern Theatre box office and lobby will open one hour before the event's scheduled start time.

If you have any questions or if you need assistance reserving tickets, please email the Modern Theatre Box Office at boxoffice@suffolk.edu .

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If you have any questions or need assistance registering or attending via Zoom, please email Susan Spurlock at sspurlock@suffolk.edu .

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Please see below for important information to note before your event:

SEATING: This event has General Admission seating. All seats are first-come, first-served.

WAITLIST: If the event is sold out, you may add your name to the waitlist by checking in at the box office on the day of the performance. All unclaimed tickets will be released to the waitlist ten minutes before the event's scheduled start time.

ARRIVAL: The Modern Theatre lobby and the box office will open one hour before the event's scheduled start time.

All unclaimed tickets will be released to the waitlist ten minutes before the event's scheduled start time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the event's scheduled start time and check in at the box office to avoid losing your tickets to the waitlist.

RUNNING LATE? Late seating will be permitted during appropriate breaks in the performance, at the Front of House Manager’s discretion. Please arrive on time, at least 15 minutes before your event's start time.

ACCESSIBILITY: We value inclusion and access for all participants and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for all events. Please email boxoffice@suffolk.edu to make a reasonable accommodation request.

CONTACT US: Please email boxoffice@suffolk.edu if you have any questions or need assistance reserving tickets.

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As you await your performance, we invite you to visit www.moderntheatre.com