The Vanderbilt Project On Unity And American Democracy
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Vanderbilt Unity Poll confirms Trump support declining
Americans saw an uptick in unity for the first time in over a year, with widespread agreement that the U.S. political system needs to be more responsive and an overall distrust of social media influencers, according to the most recent Vanderbilt Unity Poll measuring Americans' views of national unity and the democratic process. Read MoreApr 25, 2024
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Unity Project to host Salam Al-Marayati, president of Muslim Public Affairs Council, on April 22
Al-Marayati and Samar Ali, Unity Project co-chair, will explore the shared experiences of Muslim and Arab Americans and the ongoing crisis in Gaza in a timely and insightful conversation at noon on Monday, April 22, at the John Seigenthaler Center. This in-person event is limited to Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff members; you must register using your Vanderbilt email address. Read MoreApr 9, 2024
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James Patterson to discuss his latest book, value of reading at Vanderbilt April 11
Bestselling author and Vanderbilt alum James Patterson will discuss his prolific writing career, support for literacy initiatives and the power of books and reading in a wide-ranging conversation at Vanderbilt University on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries, Dialogue Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy in collaboration with Parnassus Books, 'An Evening with James Patterson' will be moderated by former NBC News anchor and correspondent John M. Seigenthaler. The event is open to the public, but registration is required to attend. Read MoreMar 20, 2024
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Dialogue Vanderbilt and the Unity Project host Ukrainian ambassador on March 19
A conversation between Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, and Morgan Ortagus, former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, will be Tuesday, March 19, at 4 p.m. CT at the John Seigenthaler Center. Markarova’s participation will provide attendees with an invaluable opportunity to learn about Ukraine’s challenges and geopolitical stance. Read MoreMar 7, 2024
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‘New York Times’ columnist David Brooks to deliver 2024 Graduates Day address
David Brooks, an internationally acclaimed journalist whose work has shaped timely conversations around controversial and complex issues, will receive Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal when he speaks at the university’s 2024 Commencement activities. Brooks’ Graduates Day address will be on May 9 at 11 a.m. on The Commons Lawn. Read MoreFeb 29, 2024
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Pride in the Pews: In Conversation with Don Abram on Mar. 6
Don Abram, the visionary founder of Pride in the Pews, will be the next speaker in the Dialogue Vanderbilt faith leader series. His conversation with Vanderbilt Divinity School Dean Yolanda Pierce is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 6 at the John Seigenthaler Center. Read MoreFeb 22, 2024
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Maha Elgenaidi, Dean Yolanda Pierce navigate faith, identity and Middle East conflict at Vanderbilt University
Dialogue Vanderbilt continued its mission of fostering meaningful conversations with its second event in its series which aims to cultivate open discussions about faith and how it influences people dealing with pressing societal issues. The discussion featured Maha Elgenaidi, founder of the Islamic Networks Group, in conversation with Vanderbilt University Divinity School Dean Yolanda Pierce. Read MoreFeb 22, 2024
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Applebaum, Meacham to discuss rise of autocracy in ‘Open Dialogue’ event
Pulitzer Prize–winning author and propaganda expert Anne Applebaum will visit Vanderbilt on March 5 for a discussion of the rise of autocracy in today’s geopolitical climate. Read MoreFeb 16, 2024
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Latest Vanderbilt Unity Index shows the U.S. continuing its trend toward increased political polarization
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy’s latest Vanderbilt Unity Index shows the country continuing its trend toward more polarization, ending 2023 down nearly three points from the start of the year. Read MoreFeb 14, 2024
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‘Collaborating for Change: Hubert Humphrey, Fisk University and the Fight for Civil Rights’ discussion is Feb. 20
The event, hosted by The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy and the Rogers Center for the American Presidency, is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m., and is free and open to the public; registration is required to attend. Read MoreFeb 13, 2024
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“Defending Our Democracy,” Liz Cheney discussed the future of her party and the fate of our country
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney joined Pulitzer Prize–winning author and professor Jon Meacham, co-chair of the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, to speak about the future of U.S. democracy at the inaugural event for the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the American Presidency. Read MoreFeb 12, 2024
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A Conversation with Maha Elgenaidi on Feb. 19
Maha Elgenaidi, founder and executive director of the Islamic Networks Group, will visit Vanderbilt’s Rothschild Black Box Theater next month for a conversation with Divinity School Dean Yolanda Pierce. The discussion is expected to explore Elgenaidi’s perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the theological context and historical backdrop shaping it, along with her advice on effective communication practices around deeply personal and polarizing topics. Read MoreJan 23, 2024
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REGISTER: “Defending Our Democracy”: Exclusive conversation between Liz Cheney and Jon Meacham on democracy, the presidency and Jan. 6, 2021
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney will share her views on the state of American democracy and the presidency, as well as her first-hand perspective on the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the ensuing Congressional investigation, in a compelling, exclusive conversation with Jon Meacham, Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Chair, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Political Science and Pulitzer Prize–winning historian. Read MoreJan 12, 2024
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Vanderbilt Unity Poll reveals a Trump conviction could significantly impact centrist voters
Americans overwhelmingly feel that their political systems do not represent them, including compromise on abortion, and they are not confident the American political system accurately reflects their will, according to the latest quarterly Vanderbilt Unity Poll measuring Americans’ unity and beliefs on government and democracy. Read MoreJan 11, 2024
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Vanderbilt Unity Lab opens applications for second training cohort
Vanderbilt community members interested in expanding their intercultural competency and learning how to better engage across and within differences are encouraged to sign up to be part of the Vanderbilt Unity Lab’s second training cohort. Successful applicants will receive a modest stipend and semester-long training in four internationally recognized modules designed to equip them with the tools necessary to strengthen the bonds of cultural affinity and promote civil discourse. Read MoreJan 4, 2024
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REGISTER: ‘Trustworthy’ screening is Oct. 24 at Belcourt Theatre, co-hosted by Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy
A free screening of Trustworthy, a new documentary chronicling a 5,300-mile journey across America to explore citizens' search for common ground amidst growing media skepticism, will be co-hosted by the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Belcourt Theatre from 3 to 6 p.m. CT. Read MoreOct 18, 2023
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Unity Project launches Vanderbilt Unity Lab; applications open for participants
Vanderbilt community members interested in expanding their intercultural competency and learning how to better engage across and within differences are encouraged to sign up to be part of the Vanderbilt Unity Lab’s first training cohort. Read MoreOct 6, 2023
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Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy hosts ‘Lunch and Learn: Free Speech and the First Amendment’ Oct. 17
As a part of Free Speech Week, the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy is hosting a Lunch and Learn to expand the dialogue of learning outside the classroom setting. The discussion will explore First Amendment issues here in Tennessee with American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee Director Kathy Sinback. Read MoreSep 29, 2023
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Vanderbilt Unity Poll results demonstrate considerable support for individual freedoms
Findings from the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy's third quarterly poll show that only one-fifth of Americans believe that everyday citizens are united when it comes to the most pressing issues facing the country, and less than two-fifths believe that Americans are likely to unite in the future. While there is not a lot of optimism about unity in the country, there is agreement on the high value of freedom of speech and expression. Read MoreSep 26, 2023
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Vanderbilt to hold campus-wide Free Speech Week Oct. 10–17
Vanderbilt will hold a series of high-profile events Oct. 10–17 in observance of the university’s first-ever campus-wide Free Speech Week, part of Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s recently launched Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative. The event will bring high-profile guests to campus to discuss the current state of free expression and civil discourse. Read MoreSep 25, 2023