Free Expression at DU
At the University of Denver, we pursue truth and knowledge for the joy of intellectual discovery. We hone our critical thinking skills and explore diverse viewpoints. We follow our curiosity. We participate in complex and challenging conversations that impact our community and the world.
We strive not for agreement or homogenous thinking. Instead, we aim to learn from and contribute to the never-ending quest for truth while demonstrating the respect, intellectual integrity and strength of character that define us and our values.
Our Commitments
Free Expression & Civil Discourse
Critical to our goals as an academic institution, community members can speak, participate and listen during public discourse without fear of censorship.
Pluralism
Embracing and respecting different perspectives and diverse identities while cultivating inspiring relationships and cooperation across differences.
![icon of shaking hands](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/du/4rniihuumz/120x120px/icon_handshake_lg.png)
Academic Freedom
A bedrock principle for the advancement of knowledge, educators can teach, pursue, research and discuss what they believe is important and pertinent without undue interference.
Join the Conversation
![Vote button on US flag](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_event_thumbnail/public/feature-media-image/2020_election.png?itok=34vYndkW)
Friday, September 6
Global Election Year Retrospective: How fares Democracy?
As part of the ongoing Denver Democracy Series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, this virtual conversation will dive into the past year and what we have learned as we head into election season. The campus community is welcome to watch the webinars in-person together in The Forum (SIE 1020).
- 9 - 11 a.m. MTN
- Virtual
![DU students wearing patriotic clothes and waving US flags](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/du/gpmh9mhhgk/590x374px/three-women-adorned-in-american-flag-gear-pose-for-a-photo-at-debatefest_8078413448_o.jpg?crop=yes&position=c)
Tuesday, September 10
2024 Presidential Debate Watch
DU students, faculty and staff are invited to join a presidential debate watch party, featuring food, beverages and a Q&A session hosted by faculty experts. This event is co-hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy and the Center for American Politics.
- 6:30 - 8:20 p.m. MTN
- Maglione Hall, SIE Complex
![US flag](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_event_thumbnail/public/feature-media-image/american_flag.jpg?itok=jfoneYAE)
Tuesday, September 17
DU Celebrates Constitution Day
Join DU’s inaugural celebration of this historic day of recognition with a keynote address given by national thought leader on free speech, DU’s own Alan Chen, visit booths investigating what ‘banned books’ can teach us, register to vote and more.
- Time: TBD
- Location: TBD
![AI graphic](/sites/default/files/styles/featured_event_thumbnail/public/2023-10/_art_intell_ai_no_text.png?itok=gUzP1Zrz)
Friday, October 11
21st Century Elections: Technology, Disinformation/Misinformation & AI
As part of the ongoing Denver Democracy Series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, this virtual conversation will cover technologies impact—and challenges—during elections. The campus community is welcome to watch the webinars in-person together in The Forum (SIE 1020).
- 9 - 11 a.m. MTN
- Virtual
Free Expression and Our Policies
DU protects all community members’ right to freely express themselves while maintaining zero-tolerance for harassment, discrimination, violence or destruction of property.
![DU Spark event speakers](/sites/default/files/styles/cta_module_narrow_450_x_281/public/DU-Spark-2024-speakers.jpg?itok=tUGaeqPv)
LEADING THE WAY. BUILDING OPPORTUNITY.
Project grants. Community events. Specialized training and workshops. Campus-wide collaboration. And more. DU’s Freedom of Expression & Pluralism Initiatives, led by Faculty Director Derigan Silver, serves as a convener, hub and engine for ways to take part, learn more, reflect and dig deeper on the most complex and challenging issues facing DU—and the world.
Take Part in Signature DU Programs
![a student speaking in a classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/copy_image_884_x_564/public/copy-img/law_school_stock-04187-500.jpg?itok=jr1KGbm2)
Debate Across the Curriculum
DU professors collaborate with on-campus experts on rhetoric to train students in non-competitive, classroom debate. With subjects tied to classroom topics, students are assigned viewpoints on which they must conduct thorough research before defending their stance to the class—all with the goal of deepening learning.
![DU's braver angels debate](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/du/y2h6rjptv1/884x564px/du-braver-angels-debate-2023-2762.jpg?crop=yes&position=c)
Spark
DU’s annual day of programming dedicated to free expression, pluralism and civil discourse. Look out for details on the third-annual Spark later this year.
![An array of microphones](/sites/default/files/styles/copy_image_884_x_564/public/copy-img/shutterstock_257282692.jpg?itok=qv0imFVH)
Denver Dialogues
The Korbel School of International Studies and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy convene thought leaders from premier U.S. think tanks to engage in constructive conversation and debate on policy issues impacting the nation and the world.
Our Partners
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Braver-Angels-600x236.jpg)
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Bridge-USA-600x236.jpg)
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Citizens-Scholars-600x236.jpg)
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Heterodox-Academy-600x236.jpg)
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Interfaith-America-600x236.jpg)
![](https://www.du.edu/sites/default/files/Logo-Listen-First-Coalition-600x236.jpg)