You're Invited to a Day of Civil Discourse with SPARK 2023

Dear DU community members,

On Wednesday, April 5, the University of Denver will hold an inaugural day of programming dedicated to championing civil discourse and academic freedom in higher ed. We invite you to join us for three on-campus events designed to spark dialogue, learning, connection—and even respectful but fervent debate.

SPARK Classroom Expression | 10–11:15 a.m.

Grab breakfast and hear a panel of students, faculty and staff discuss the role of free expression in the classroom.

SPARK Campus Autonomy | Noon–1:30 p.m.

Join us over a plated lunch to hear Chancellor Haefner, the Honorable Jim Douglas and the Honorable Christine Gregoire discuss their work championing free expression on college campuses nationwide.

SPARK Artistic Justice | 4–5 p.m.  

Story as Transformation Behind the Walls

Individuals involved in DU’s Prison Arts Initiative freely reflect on their experiences being incarcerated.

The day will culminate with a reception from 5–6 p.m. featuring wine, beer and appetizers. The reception is to acknowledge and thank our honored guests—students, faculty and staff across campus doing interesting and important work protecting free expression at DU and beyond.

Click here to register for one or all of the SPARK 2023 events.

The ability to encounter novelty, conflict, and complexity— the ability to think critically, and learn or reconsider are skills our students need, and it is the responsibility of higher education to provide opportunities to hone these skills. I hope you join us.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner