GET INVOLVED
TODAY!
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.
PAST & COMING EVENTS
GIVE YOUR BEST SPEECH
On October 18, 2023, finalists in the annual UVA Student Oratory Competition gathered in the Dome Room of the Rotunda to deliver the speeches they had written in response to the prompt, "What is the greatest strength of our democracy?" A panel of former Presidential speech writers and last year's winner of the competition evaluated the content of their speeches and their deliveries. The competition is cosponsored by Think Again and the Karsh Institute of Democracy. The winner this year was Peter Lee Hamilton. He received a $500 cash prize.
GET SMARTER THROUGH THE ART OF DEBATE
The Karsh Institute’s “Democracy 360" festival featured a weekend of events exploring democracy from every angle. One of those events was a workshop with two-time World Debate Champion Bo Seo. He spoke to an audience of nearly 100 about strategies in his new book, Good Arguments: Why Debate Makes Us Smarter and Better Listeners. Seo also led the group in different exercises to help members put these strategies into practice. The event was cosponsored by Think Again and the Batten School.
FREE DINNER and DISCUSSION
The Blue Ridge Center, in partnership with Think Again, hosted first- and second-year students during the Fall 2023 semester in bi-monthly extra-curricular reading groups on free speech and viewpoint diversity. Students explored the arguments for and against each. They also considered whether they matter at a public university in our democracy. Meetings were led by Professors Gerard Alexander and Mary Kate Cary at the Blue Ridge Center’s offices on the Corner, and free dinner was included. Best of all for the students: no homework or tests! Spring 2024 groups are forming now. Students can explore new topics and sign up for groups now.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY
JOIN HETERODOX CAMPUS COMMUNITY AT UVA
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, 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 at UVA website.
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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.