GET INVOLVED
TODAY!
UPCOMING EVENTS.
In addition to adding your name to support those who endorse the UVA Statement on Free Expression and Free Inquiry, look here for other ways to support free speech and viewpoint diversity on Grounds.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
GIVE YOUR BEST SPEECH
Wednesday October 18
5:30 pm
Dome Room of the Rotunda.
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The annual UVA Student Oratory Competition is cosponsored by Think Again and the Karsh Institute of Democracy and features student finalists who write and deliver five-minute speeches on our democracy before a panel of judges comprised of former White House speechwriters. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize. The topic is, “What is the greatest strength of our American democracy?” The event is open to the public — come cheer on your friends! Sign ups will open soon.
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GET SMARTER THROUGH THE ART OF DEBATE
Thursday October 19
10 am and 1 pm
Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
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The Karsh Institute’s “Democracy 360” festival will feature a full day of student debates on Thursday, October 19 at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, starting at 10 a.m. At noon, Think Again is hosting two-time World Debate Champion Bo Seo, who will speak on his new book, Good Arguments: Why Debate Makes Us Smarter and Better Listeners. Attendance is free all day and copies of his book will be available for purchase. Cosponsored by Think Again and the Batten School. Sign ups will open soon.
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FREE DINNER and DISCUSSION
Bimonthly
Blue Ridge Center's Offices on the Corner
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The Blue Ridge Center, in partnership with Think Again, invites first- and second-year students to join a bi-monthly extra-curricular reading group on free speech and viewpoint diversity — the arguments for and against each, and whether they matter at a public university in our democracy. Meetings will be led by Professors Gerard Alexander and Mary Kate Cary at the Blue Ridge Center’s offices on the Corner, and free dinner is included. Best of all: no homework or tests! Want to sign up? Email Chris Tomlin at crtomlin2611@gmail.com.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY
JOIN HETERODOX HOOS
Heterodoxy is the opposite of orthodoxy, which is when everyone believes the same things. At the Heterodox Academy, we believe that “Great minds don’t always think alike,” and over 5,000 faculty members nationally agree. UVA is one of only 36 campus communities nationwide chosen by the Heterodox Academy to start a local chapter, and we’re already the third largest in the U.S. Members believe that viewpoint diversity, academic inquiry, and constructive disagreement are important in research and higher education. Want to learn more? Visit the Heterodox Academy website. Want to join our chapter? Contact Heterodox Hoos president Professor Rafael Triana at rt9x@virginia.edu.
MAKE AN IMPACT.
If you’d like to support the organizations listed above that are promoting free expression and viewpoint diversity at UVA, you can Donate here. All contributions are tax deductible and support only organizations and events that seek to strengthen free speech, viewpoint diversity, critical thinking, and intellectual humility at the University. Questions about your gift? Contact Professor Mary Kate Cary at mkcary@virginia.edu.