Cry Havoc: Charlottesville and American Democracy Under Siege

Mike Signer ’95 was the mayor of Charlottesville when the white nationalist “Unite the Right” rally descended upon the city in August 2017. He was also a political science teacher and lawyer with concerns for both free speech and public safety. In Cry Havoc (Public Affairs), Signer reflects on the tragedy of Charlottesville and its aftermath, drawing lessons about how government should confront hateful speech and promote civility even when people have little faith in public institutions.