Free Expression at DU
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.
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.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Public Debate on Proposition 131
Should Coloradans vote for proposition 131, the top-four ranked-choice voting initiative? Join the debate free and open to the public featuring:
- Kent Thiry, Unite America
- Nick Troiao, Unite America
- Jason Lupo, First Choice Counts
- Candice Strutzriem, Truth & Liberty Coalition
- 7 p.m.
- Margery Reed Hall, Reiman Theatre
Tuesday, October 22
Media and Democracy: What happens when we can’t agree on the facts?
Hear Kyle Clark of Denver’s 9News discuss how media—and higher ed--can improve our polarized society. He will be joined by DU’s own Chancellor Haefner and Faculty Director for Civil Discourse and Free Expression, Derigan Silver.
- 7 - 8:15 p.m. MTN
- Newman Center for the Performing Arts
Tuesday, October 22
Connect Effect: Denver Debut
In partnership with Connect Effect, Spiritual Life @ DU, Undergrad Student Government & the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging will host an experience fostering personal wellbeing and civic connection where community members distinguish between REAL selves and 'screen selves'-- including shining a light on how social media can obscure humanity and drive divides.
- 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
- RSECS Rotunda
Friday, November 15
US Election Aftermath: What just happened and where do we go from here?
As part of the ongoing Denver Democracy Series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, this virtual conversation will the results of the 2024 presidential election. The campus community is welcome to watch the webinars in-person together in The Forum (SIE 1020).
- 9 - 11 a.m.
- SIE Center, The Forum
Monday, Oct. 28
Free Speech on Campus: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
The war in Gaza has reinvigorated debates about campus free speech. Allegations that universities are hotbeds of antisemitism compete with claims that they are silencing pro-Palestinian voices. How are institutions of higher learning navigating the challenges and controversies surrounding campus speech? Do they really need to protect freedom of expression to fulfill their mission? Q&A to follow.
- 4 - 5:30 p.m.
- Maglione Hall, SIE 5025
Wednesday, Oct 30
Join or Die Film Screening
Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary, follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Co-Hosted by the University of Denver, Department of Spiritual Life, Zag Project and Longer Tables.
- 7 - 9 p.m.
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.
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.
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.
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
