History is marked by constant change, and the history of global democracy is no exception. While governing institutions and leaders have not always embraced democratic values, universities have in many ways endured as places of free expression and exchange of ideas. In this way, they are more than educational institutions: they are havens for freedom and the pursuit of knowledge, offering a foothold for societies striving to grow and improve.
Yet, despite their enduring strengths, universities are facing significant challenges in today’s divisive climate. How can we ensure that they continue to fulfill their crucial role in promoting and safeguarding democratic values and inspiring democratic change?
This discussion aims to engage not only experts on these questions but, most importantly, students themselves, exploring how to ensure that universities meet the moment and do their part to carry the torch of democracy forward.
The discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 17:00 EST, at snfdialogues.org, featuring esteemed speakers Hahrie Han, John Holmwood, Irene Mulvey and John Tomasi.
Students participating in the discussion include April Anthony, SNF Ithaca student leader at the University of Delaware, Faith Applegate, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, Anna Oakes, multimedia journalist and graduate student at the Columbia Journalism School, and Luke McDermott, External Vice President at the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska and Chairman of the Husker Vote Coalition. The President of Johns Hopkins University, Ron Daniels, will also make an intervention during the discussion.
This event is part of a series of SNF Dialogues open discussions on civic engagement and civil discourse in the US.
