Connections Initiative

Questions surrounding speech and discourse are common on college campuses, and frequent misunderstandings occur about a variety of topics among students, faculty and staff. This initiative focuses on the need for an enhanced understanding of the tenets and responsibilities of freedom of speech, the intersection of free speech and a welcoming campus community and the need to engage respectfully with people who may not agree with your perspective.

We have learned through research that the best solutions come from teams who bring divergent perspectives and voices engaged in dialogue to solve problems. However, the key to this process is the ability to engage in civil discourse – the space to agree and disagree respectfully on a given topic.

This initiative, guided by an advisory/planning board comprised of campus faculty and staff, will provide a series of learning opportunities, classes, workshops, forums, and research to increase knowledge of the First Amendment and civil discourse. The project will also provide ideologically diverse lectures on challenging issues.

This effort includes a free speech website and speaker series, and it will work collaboratively with the Office of Academic Affairs.