Tony Banout serves as the inaugural executive director of the University of Chicago’s Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression. He earned his PhD from the University of Chicago Divinity School, where he was a Martin Marty Center Junior Fellow and Provost Dissertation Fellow. As senior vice president for Interfaith America, Banout guided a leading U.S. civic organization in the development of strategies and programs devoted to democratic discourse and civil conversation across deep difference in and beyond higher education. He has spoken and published widely on free expression, constructive engagement of difference, and the civic relevance of religious diversity. A lifelong advocate for ideological diversity and inclusion in academia, Banout serves as a board member at Heterodox Academy.



Devin D. Johnson, Undergraduate and Student Advisory Board Member for the University of Chicago Forum on Free Inquiry and Expression, University of Chicago

Devin D. Johnson is a driven undergraduate at the University of Chicago, majoring in Economics and Political Science. With a sharp focus on the intricacies of global economies and political systems, he is laying a strong foundation for his future career. Devin aspires to enter the dynamic realm of Investment Banking post-graduation, driven by his passion for financial markets and economic strategies. He firmly believes in the transformative power of education, seeing his academic journey as pivotal in shaping his innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Devin’s commitment to his studies is preparing him to be a significant contributor to the finance sector, leveraging his education to make a meaningful impact.