GVPT and CDCE Host Fireside Chat with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown
The Department of Government and Politics (GVPT), in partnership with the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement (CDCE), hosted a fireside chat at the University of Maryland with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown on Thursday, March 26.
GVPT and CDCE organized the event to connect students with the Attorney General of Maryland and create access to a public leader for thoughtful discussion on the issues shaping today’s political landscape. The event was also held as part of the University of Maryland’s First Year Book program, bringing together students, faculty, and community members for a discussion on public service, leadership, and the role of attorneys general in promoting and protecting the U.S. Constitution.
Susan Rivera, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS), kicked off the event by providing welcoming remarks. GVPT Chair, Antoine Banks, then delivered his own introductory remarks and introduced Maryland Attorney General Brown.
Brown reflected on his path to public service and outlined the evolving role of state attorneys general in today’s political landscape. He explained that the position by its very nature demands pushback against federal overreach, particularly when policies conflict with state priorities or constitutional protections.
He also highlighted the importance of multistate collaboration, noting that attorneys general often work together—sometimes across party lines—on issues such as consumer protection and technology regulation. He acknowledged that legal challenges to federal actions have become more prominent, with states playing a key role in testing policies in the courts.
In Brown’s conversation with CDCE Senior Fellow Stephen Cobb, a central theme of the discussion was the importance of maintaining public trust in government institutions. Brown pointed to the role public officials play in shaping that trust, not just through policy, but through how they communicate. Stability, professionalism, and careful communication from public officials, he noted, are just as important as the policies they pursue.
The conversation also turned to several pressing national and state-level issues, including election integrity, voting access, and the balance between security and participation in democratic processes. Brown stressed the importance of grounding these debates in facts, while recognizing the real-world barriers that can affect voter participation.
When asked about the broader state of democracy, Brown rejected the idea that the country is in a constitutional crisis. “We are not in a constitutional crisis,” he said, pointing to the fact that courts are still operating, universities continue their work, and the press remains active. For Brown, those are signs of strain, but also resilience.
During the Q&A portion of the event, students shifted the conversation to more personal topics. One student asked how Brown navigated “imposter syndrome” as he rose through leadership roles. Brown recalled moments early in his career when he questioned whether he belonged, only to realize that his own perspective had value. He encouraged students to trust what they bring to the table, emphasizing that their experiences and viewpoints matter. Brown also encouraged students to get involved in civic life early, whether through student organizations, advocacy work, or public service, emphasizing that meaningful engagement begins at the community level.
Beyond his thoughtful responses during the discussion, he underscored his dedication to students by remaining after the event, intentionally devoting his time to engaging with them one-on-one and taking photos.
Published on Mon, 04/13/2026 - 09:31