Disinformation’s Impact on Technology and American Society

Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney and Michigan Law professor, will deliver the Harriet Kenderdine Lecture at Millersville University on October 17. The event, co-sponsored by the University College and the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County, will focus on the growing threat of disinformation in America.

The free public lecture begins at 7 p.m. in Biemesderfer Concert Hall at the Winter Center. While admission is free, attendees must reserve tickets in advance through the university’s online portal.

During her presentation, McQuade will explore themes from her book, “Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America.” Her talk will examine disinformation tactics, technology’s role in amplifying false information, and the societal impact of these phenomena on American democracy. McQuade is expected to propose potential solutions to combat the spread of disinformation in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

“Misinformation is a problem in our country that deserves attention and discussion,” notes Carolyn Hernandez from the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County. “When false information misleads the public, discourse becomes more polarized. With the rise of political violence, understanding what mis/disinformation is and how to combat it is more important than ever.”

McQuade brings significant expertise to the subject. Her background as United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2010 to 2017 offers practical insights into how disinformation campaigns can impact legal and democratic institutions. Her current role as a law professor at the University of Michigan further positions her as a leading voice on the intersection of law, media, and democracy.

The timing of this lecture is particularly significant as it comes just weeks before the 2024 presidential election, when concerns about disinformation campaigns are heightened. Social media platforms, foreign influence operations, and domestic political messaging have all contributed to an increasingly complex information environment that many experts believe threatens democratic processes.

The Harriet Kenderdine Lecture has a rich history in Lancaster County. Hernandez explained that when Kenderdine died in September 1982, she left a bequest specifically to fund public lectures organized by the League of Women Voters of Lancaster County. The endowment stipulates that speakers must represent the League’s core ideals of “empowering voters and protecting democracy.”

This lecture represents a continuation of the League’s longstanding mission to foster informed civic participation. The nonpartisan organization has worked for over a century to promote voter education and protect the democratic process across the United States.

For those interested in attending McQuade’s lecture, additional information is available on the Millersville University website. The Winter Center is located at 60 West Cottage Avenue in Millersville. Campus officials recommend arriving early as seating may be limited despite the ticketing system.

The event also reflects broader academic efforts to address disinformation through public education initiatives. Universities nationwide have increasingly developed programs and hosted speakers addressing media literacy, critical thinking, and the verification of online information—skills that experts consider essential for democratic citizenship in the digital age.

As political polarization and information manipulation continue to challenge American democracy, events like the Kenderdine Lecture provide valuable opportunities for community members to engage with complex issues affecting the nation’s political discourse and electoral integrity.