The founders of the US argued the necessity of a robust system of public education to support democracy. One of US higher education’s missions was to foster an educated populace who could engage in debate and dialogue. Over the past century, the role of higher education in the US democratic has shifted, and, recently, has become highly politicized.
Educating for Democracy in a Time of Division will feature Chancellor Martin in conversation with Dr. Nancy Thomas, Director of the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education at Tufts University. Dr. Thomas and Chancellor Martin will discuss their mutual research interests in political discourse, free speech, and the role of universities in supporting democracy followed by a robust student Q&A period. Key questions include: How can institutions of higher education theoretically contribute to a thriving democracy? Historically, how was higher education supported or detracted from the US democratic project? What structures and policies might need to change in order for higher education to live up to its potential role supporting democracy? What is WashU doing to support US democracy?
Dr. Thomas holds a doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a law degree from Case Western Research University’s School of Law. She is also an associate editor at the Journal of Public Deliberation, a senior associate with Everyday Democracy, and a member of the Scholars Strategy Network.
*Registration requested, below.
