Civil Dialogue

Here is one important way to create a happier academic workplace

The FAFSA debacle. Campus protests. Battles over diversity. A new study offers a potentially overlooked but not surprising solution to new sources of stress on campus: Kindness.

These 3 campuses are battle-tested ahead of the election

See how Baylor, Bucknell and Elon universities have fortified civil dialogue initiatives on campus ahead of a hotly debated U.S. presidential election.

Here are 6 ways to mitigate campus conflict with U.S. election imminent

College and university leaders thumped by campus blowback from the Israel-Hamas war find themselves with a perfect opportunity to prepare for a contentious presidential election season in the fall, a new guidebook declares.

As sparks continue to fly on campuses, how can colleges uphold free speech?

Free speech advocates' calls to uphold open debate on college campuses is intersecting with a rise in verbal and physical violence against Jewish and Muslim students. Who can leaders rely on to help revive civil dialogue?

Why these school leaders are clashing with students’ free speech judgment

Boston University students exercised their right to free speech to shout "obscenities" at a commencement event that would have been "the precursor to a fistfight" back in President Robert A. Brown's youth, according to a statement.

Over 140 and counting former leaders push back on legislative threats to higher ed

Champions of Higher Education kicked off their public campaign last Friday to denounce recent legislation countrywide that they view threatens higher education and, by extension, the nation's democracy. Among the supporters are nine former state university system leaders from Louisiana, Maryland, California and Wisconsin, to name a few.

These states are taking steps to replace unruly hecklers on campus with constructive civil discourse

Political polarization recently led to a fiasco at Stanford University and to one Wayne State University professor getting arrested. Here are three states implementing programs that aim to champion civil discourse so voices can be heard, not silenced.

Higher ed’s worst free speech offenders of 2022

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Freedom (FIRE) selected these institutions based on some of their head-scratching decisions such as circumventing a teacher's academic freedom, removing funding from a LGBTQ+ events, instating policies that would streamline firing tenured professors, and others.

AAUP on Florida College System: “We are appalled” by continued political interference

AAUP replied to Florida College System's decision to restrict race-related class curriculum with a statement that blasts FCS for being "hypocritical" and appalling.

Mockery of Asian language sparks calls for Purdue chancellor to step down

Faculty leaders have demanded the resignation of Purdue University Northwest Chancellor Thomas L. Keon after he blurted out a string of gibberish in a failed, offensive joke he made during a commencement ceremony.

Civil dialogue on campus can be boosted with Perspectives

How a new version of an eight-week course with a long history can help improve discourse at your college.

Ready for the fall? 10 potential policy pitfalls college leaders must address this summer

One litigation specialist says institutions should ensure procedures and strategies are updated before the fall.

When is the right time for college presidents to speak the truth?

Four leaders share how and why they might use the ‘bully pulpit’ to address tough topics in their communities.

What is really being taught in a course on critical race theory?

How an institution in one highly polarized state is going against the odds to offer it to undergraduates.

How colleges are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, hosting Day of Racial Healing

Peaceful marches, powerful speakers and students serving their communities will highlight week of activities.

The student vote: Why it counts and how colleges can help in the process

Raising awareness and aiding young students in navigating a complex system can make them more civically engaged.

Critical race theory: 3 experts discuss its true role in higher education

University leaders offer a history lesson by debunking several theories, including its prevalence on campuses.

How a new Roadmap for colleges on civil dialogue can drive free expression

Bipartisan Policy Center and task force of higher education leaders combine to improve free speech on campuses.

How CSU-Monterey Bay president says colleges can improve civil dialogue

Bringing disparate groups together through well-structured forums is just one way to build trust on both sides.

Among top 8 priorities, college leaders rate civic engagement near bottom

Are institutions underestimating its importance given the national divide and potential for protests on campuses?

Why one organization is giving $2,000 grants to promote civil discourse

Bringing together disparate groups in a variety of ways may benefit higher education institutions and students.

AAC&U, SHEEO help create coalition to address civic engagement

Along with College Promise and Complete College America, higher ed leaders will drive drive democracy discourse.

How one college is helping to keep dialogue civil among students

The Marshall Center for Intercultural Learning at Wheaton College is a place where listening and understanding is welcomed.

Dozens of higher ed groups blast critical race theory bans

Efforts to restrict critical race theory infringe "on the right of faculty to teach and of students to learn," a broad coalition of historians, faculty and administrators says.

AAC&U selects 61 colleges for ‘high-impact’ institute

The event aims to help institutional leaders 'become more intentional in serving all students and to improve both completion rates and the quality of student learning.'

‘Justice served’: 12 college leaders share powerful words after Chauvin verdict

Higher education leaders across the country impart strong messages after the trial result in the murder of George Floyd and offer support for their communities.

Higher education plays a critical role in the post-truth era

Our democracy depends on our ability to equip citizens with the skills to think critically, make decisions based on the best available evidence and remain open to alternative points of view.

Separating science from fiction, a college’s duty

UCLA leaders weigh in on disinformation and the role higher education can play in ensuring better outcomes that give the public real, accurate guidance.

How colleges can help get a divided nation talking again

Eastern Michigan is one of many institutions providing forums for discussion on polarizing social issues to help students, the public gain an understanding of the other side

Campus leaders seek more civil discourse

With countless issues dividing the country, leaders of student organizations have made priorities of inclusive communication and civility training.