Free Expression
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Vanderbilt updates freedom of expression policies and expands civil discourse programming
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 MoreAug 12, 2024
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WATCH: One community, diverse perspectives
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 MoreMay 17, 2024
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Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier joins the Institute for Citizens & Scholars initiative, College Presidents for Civic Preparedness
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 MoreJan 25, 2024
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A Conversation with Rabbi David J. Wolpe on Jan. 18
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 MoreJan 8, 2024
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Vanderbilt Debate team embarks on a global challenge: World Universities Debating Championship in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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 MoreDec 21, 2023
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Vanderbilt Debate team enjoys success on international stage
As part of Dialogue Vanderbilt, the debate team hosted an online event with the Rwandan National Debate Team on Nov. 29. Read MoreNov 30, 2023
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From Vanderbilt to the U.S. Debate Team: Meet Daniel Ardity
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 MoreNov 30, 2023
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Meet the debaters: Vanderbilt students share how debate has shaped their college experience
Members of Vanderbilt Debate share how their participation on the team has contributed to a meaningful undergraduate experience. Read MoreNov 30, 2023
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Vanderbilt, Freedom Forum expand relationship; John Seigenthaler Center to be home of Dialogue Vanderbilt
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 MoreOct 2, 2023
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Vanderbilt observes Banned Books Week with events, discussions about free expression
The Banned Books Initiative, now in its second year at Vanderbilt, will recognize Banned Books Week Oct. 1–7. The events are in conjunction with Vanderbilt’s recently announced recommitment to supporting free expression and civil discourse on campus with the launch of Dialogue Vanderbilt. Read MoreSep 29, 2023
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Vanderbilt’s Open Dialogue Visiting Fellows program to bring diverse views, teach about how to engage in civil debate
The program is designed to host a cohort of thought leaders with competing and sometimes conflicting views on policy issues and social problems. These visitors will engage with students, faculty, the public and each other to model reasoned, evidence-based civil debate. The first public event sponsored by the program will be on Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. Read MoreSep 6, 2023
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Despite obstacles to higher ed, Vanderbilt must build on momentum; nine faculty honored at fall assembly
Vanderbilt is thriving by every measure even as higher education on the whole faces significant headwinds, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier told faculty gathered for the annual Fall Faculty Assembly on Aug. 24. In addition, nine faculty members who have made significant contributions through their scholarship, research, creative expression or service to the university were honored. Read MoreAug 25, 2023
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Dialogue Vanderbilt will advance civil discourse, bolster commitment to free expression
In a reaffirmation of its commitment to free expression, Vanderbilt University today launched Dialogue Vanderbilt. The initiative aims to provide a range of programs to students, faculty and the broader community to promote civil discourse and better understand and address political polarization. Read MoreAug 23, 2023
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Chancellor Diermeier’s 2023 Commencement Address
May 12, 2023 Parents, families and friends…esteemed faculty…trustees, valued alumni and dedicated staff…and, of course, our graduates: Welcome to the Commencement ceremony for the Vanderbilt Class of 2023! This year, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vanderbilt’s founding. And you, graduates, are part of an unbroken chain… Read MoreMay 24, 2023
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Vanderbilt debate team shines at Schuman Challenge, receives invitations to prestigious competitions
A team of students from Vanderbilt University competed against many of the top debate teams in the nation at the recent European Union-sponsored Schuman Challenge, an annual foreign affairs contest for undergraduate students in the U.S. It provides competitors a chance to present and defend transatlantic policy recommendations in front of a panel of judges. Read MoreApr 19, 2023
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John Geer appointed to senior advisor role in Office of the Chancellor
John G. Geer, a distinguished political scientist, a dedicated teacher and a longtime administrative and academic strategy leader at Vanderbilt University, will take on a new role in the Office of the Chancellor. Geer has been named a senior advisor to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier on key strategic initiatives that promote democracy, free expression and open dialogue—all flagship priorities for the university. Read MoreApr 14, 2023
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Diermeier discusses free expression, open inquiry and constructive debate in ‘Chronicle of Higher Education’ essay
The capacity to entertain different views is vital not only on a college campus, but also in a democratic society. Universities must educate students to converse, cooperate and coexist with people who see the world differently, writes Chancellor Daniel Diermeier in an essay published in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Read MoreMar 21, 2023
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WATCH: Vanderbilt hosts debate exhibition on topic of TikTok bans
The University of Mississippi teamed with Vanderbilt to host a debate exhibition on Feb. 3. The free event, part of an effort to increase civic engagement on Vanderbilt’s campus, drew an audience from the higher ed and Nashville communities. Read MoreFeb 7, 2023
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Vanderbilt University to host exhibition debate on TikTok bans at universities Feb. 3
Vanderbilt University invites the Nashville and campus communities to an exhibition on Friday, Feb. 3, designed to introduce the craft of debate to new audiences while exploring a timely topic. Read MoreJan 25, 2023
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Making History Together: Upcoming Sesquicentennial offers opportunity to consider our past, envision our future
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 MoreNov 7, 2022