Center for Study of Government and the Individual to host civic discourse conference
The Center for the Study of Government and the Individual (CSGI) at UCCS will be hosting the Colorado Conference on Civic Discourse this June 5 and 6.
Executive Director of CSGI, Steven Pittz, Ph.D., stated that the conference “is set to tackle the pressing issues of declining civil discourse in America. This groundbreaking event will feature robust discussions on topics like civility, open inquiry, viewpoint diversity in higher education, free speech, and civics education. Amidst a backdrop of echo chambers, divisive rhetoric, and a worrying erosion of civic knowledge, this conference aims to restore faith in democratic institutions and promote healthy, informed debate.”
Pittz concluded by stating “Attendees will explore solutions to counter the trend of hyper-partisan ideologies and foster a culture where disagreement doesn’t mean division.”
CSGI is partnering with the El Pomar Foundation as well as Rocky Mountain PBS, and speakers include Robert George (Princeton), Cornel West (Union Seminary and Former Presidential Candidate), Nadine Strossen (NYU, former president of the ACLU), Greg Lukianoff (CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)), and many, many more.
The conference will take place over the course of two days, with guests able to attend one of both days. Tickets available here.
June 5
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | “Common Ground: A Civil Conversation with Dr. Cornel West & Dr. Robert George”
3:00-4:45 p.m. | Free Speech on University Campuses and Beyond
- Greg Lukianoff (FIRE): “Cancel Culture & The Conformity Gauntlet in Higher Education”
- Alexandra Lysova (Simon Fraser): “The Slow Creep of Ideological Control: Warnings from Russia’s Past for Canadian and Western Universities.”
June 6
10:00 – 11:45 a.m. | The Role of Civics Education in Liberal Democratic Society
- Paul Carrese (ASU): “Colleges and Universities Owe America, and Students, a Civic Education of Reflective Patriotism and Preparation for Civic Leadership”
- Shilo Brooks (Princeton): “Liberal Education and the Life of Freedom”
1:15 – 3:15 p.m. | Academic Freedom and the Mission of the University
- Nadine Strossen (NYU): “Challenges to Expression on Campus and Beyond”
- Martha McCaughey (Wyoming): “The Distinction Between Scholarship and Activism”.
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