Free Expression

As the fall semester begins, Vanderbilt welcomes a new class of students ready to engage with ideas, explore identity and build community. One of the university’s signature efforts to support this journey is Dialogue Vanderbilt—a campus-wide initiative that advances the university’s enduring commitment to constructive dialogue and civil discourse, rooted in our core beliefs of free expression and institutional neutrality. It equips the Vanderbilt community with the tools and opportunities to engage in respectful, thoughtful conversations—across differences and on any topic. Read More

Vanderbilt University has announced that it will host its first public programming in New York City: "Vanderbilt in the City: Conversations on America," beginning March 6. The three-event series, planned for Vanderbilt University–New York City, 440 W. 21st St., in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, will open the university’s doors to the New York City community. Read More

Free speech was at hot topic at a recent Lunch and Learn hosted by Dialogue Vanderbilt. Greg Lukianoff, New York Times bestseller and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, led the discussion with Vanderbilt students at the Jean and Alexander Heard Central Library on Jan. 14. Read More

As part of its annual review of policies and guidelines, Vanderbilt University has updated the Student Handbook. The update includes revisions to the freedom of expression and use of university space policies, which are a vital part of the university’s commitment to discovery and learning.  Read More

At Vanderbilt, students, faculty, and staff learn and grow through diverse points of view. Our differences of opinion and expertise, supported by our respect for each other, creates an environment of strength, inspiration, and opportunity. Watch as members of the Class of 2024 talk about this concept in a… Read More

Chancellor Daniel Diermeier has joined a group of university presidents leading diverse institutions from across the country in a new initiative to address civic engagement and promote civil discourse on college campuses and beyond. The College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a new initiative convened by The Institute for Citizens and Scholars, aims to leverage collective wisdom and collaborative strategies to cultivate a new generation of empowered, democratic-minded citizens.    Read More

Rabbi David Wolpe, whom Newsweek called “the most influential rabbi in America,” will visit Vanderbilt, joining Divinity School Dean Yolanda Pierce for a fireside conversation centered around Vanderbilt’s commitment to free expression, constructive dialogue and mutual respect. The free event, which is a part of the Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative, is open to Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff and will be at 5 p.m., Jan. 18; registration is required. Read More

The tournament, scheduled for Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, is recognized as the largest college debate competition in the world, attracting more than 400 teams from educational institutions across the globe. This is the third time Vanderbilt Debate will participate in face-to-face debates at the WUDC, having previously represented the university in 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand, and in 2022 in Madrid, Spain. The team’s participation underscores Vanderbilt’s commitment to fostering intellectual rigor and global engagement through the art of debate.  Read More

As part of Dialogue Vanderbilt, the debate team hosted an online event with the Rwandan National Debate Team on Nov. 29. Read More

Vanderbilt student Daniel Ardity earned a place on the U.S. Debate Team this year, an accomplishment that has allowed him to travel around the world while also continuing to hone his debate skills closer at home. Read More

Members of Vanderbilt Debate share how their participation on the team has contributed to a meaningful undergraduate experience. Read More

Vanderbilt University and the Freedom Forum will expand their longstanding relationship, and the John Seigenthaler Center on the university’s campus will serve as the physical home of the Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative—including The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, The Future of Free Speech Project and the Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows Program. Read More

Amid the rush of the new academic year, we’re also preparing for a rare opportunity to pause and reflect. In 2023, Vanderbilt will mark the 150th anniversary of our founding—our Sesquicentennial. We’re planning a yearlong commemoration in which our entire Vanderbilt community will be invited to consider our past and, especially, to envision our future. Read More