Interfaith America engages students, faculty in listening sessions on challenging issues

In light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and in furtherance of Vanderbilt’s commitment to free and open discourse, the university partnered with civic bridge building organization Interfaith America on a series of listening sessions with students, faculty and staff Jan. 16–18 and Jan. 31–Feb. 1.

These sessions were part of Dialogue Vanderbilt, the university’s core initiative focused on modeling, researching and showcasing civil discourse and free expression.

Interfaith America is dedicated to advancing pluralism and civic cooperation by unlocking the potential of religious and cultural diversity. Toward that end, Interfaith America facilitators engaged multiple groups in sessions designed to listen intently and identify potential avenues for cooperation.

By providing a platform for voices to be heard and considered, Interfaith America is helping Vanderbilt to consistently cultivate an environment in which people with diverse perspectives and experiences can feel empowered to express their views and achieve a meaningful sense of greater belonging.

“Interfaith America is an organization with an unwavering commitment to the values and practices that are core to our university’s principles,” Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said. “It is especially timely to host their facilitators who bring evidence-based expertise and empathy in bridge-building across different faith groups, identities and social perspectives.”

Based on their sessions, Interfaith America will provide recommendations for ways in which civil dialogue and bridge building within the campus community can be enhanced. The university will partner with Interfaith America for future engagements; details will be made available later.

• To learn more about Dialogue Vanderbilt, visit vu.edu/dialogue
• See planned Dialogue Vanderbilt events here
• Look back at recorded events and explore resources about free expression