Client Spotlight: Promoting Free Expression On College Campuses with the Institute for Citizens & Scholars
Every great college is built on a foundation of ideas, where questions are encouraged, and everyone can learn from the shared pool of knowledge. This is the fundamental vision that colleges hold, and the Institute for Citizens & Scholars (C&S) is helping schools revive this collegial spirit of debate through a special project called the Campus Call for Free Expression.
The Campus Call for Free Expression is a collaborative effort between college leaders to create campuses where students can openly discuss ideas, think critically, and appreciate the beauty of diverse perspectives. This way, students are better prepared to become responsible and active members of society—engaged citizens.
The Campus Call for Free Expression is not a stand-alone project. It is one component of a larger initiative by C&S called College Presidents for Civic Preparedness. This initiative currently involves 20 college leaders committed to helping students become well-informed and engaged citizens.
Creating a culture of open dialogue and learning in colleges is more than just talks and seminars. Here are some examples of how some colleges are living this vision:
Benedict College is running a year-long campaign named #perspective, which aims to spark discussions and promote open dialogue and learning.
At Claremont McKenna College, the Open Academy provides students with essential skills for having respectful and meaningful conversations.
Cornell University is abuzz with debates and events revolving around free expression and the importance of academic freedom.
Duke University recently organized a summer seminar for teachers to share tips on fostering great classroom discussions.
James Madison University is offering a course on free expression to new students to provide them with the necessary tools for fruitful discussions.
And this is only the beginning.
This initiative has gained momentum beyond college walls. A feature on PBS NewsHour highlighted this project and explored with students and college leaders, such as Cornell's President Martha Pollack, how they are promoting free expression and more fruitful discussions on campuses.
CNN’s The Assignment with Audie Cornish also featured the Campus Call for Free Expression, interviewing Wesleyan President Michael Roth and President Roslyn Clark Artis of Benedict College.
It's a team effort, and Good Dog Strategies is thrilled to be part of it. We work closely with C&S to manage their Google Ad Grant, social media, and email campaigns, helping more people learn about the Campus Call for Free Expression and other programs and fellowships. We’re proud to support projects shaping students into active, thoughtful community members and helping to improve the health of American democracy.
Projects like these paint a brighter future where everyone can share their ideas without fear and learn from each other. And as we see it, this is a big leap towards a world where understanding and open dialogue build bridges between us.
