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.
Friday, October 11
21st Century Elections: Technology, Disinformation/Misinformation & AI
As part of the ongoing Denver Democracy Series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, this virtual conversation will cover technologies impact—and challenges—during elections. The campus community is welcome to watch the webinars in-person together in The Forum (SIE 1020).
- 9 - 11 a.m. MTN
- Virtual
Tuesday, October 15
Denver Dialogues: Project 2025 & Global Bureaucratic Politicization
Project 2025, produced by the Heritage Foundation, has garnered controversial attention within and outside the Republican Party. Join as we unpack the significance, its potential impacts and what we can learn from other countries that have undertaken similar reforms.
Denver Dialogues, by the Korbel School of International Studies and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, models civil discourse about issues facing the world.
- 4 - 5:30 p.m.
- Virtual
Friday, October 18
AI, Disinformation, and the Future of Democracy" with Washington Post journalist David Von Drehle
The Estlow Center presents a conversation with Renowned national journalist David Von Drehle (BA ‘83) will discuss the ways the spread of disinformation is affecting the 2024 election and the role of journalists.
- 4 - 6 p.m.
- Sturm Hall, Room 248
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
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
