Vanderbilt College Democrats

Free Speech Week will feature three student debates, a lecture by American Civil Liberties Union President Deborah Archer, and the inaugural Global Free Speech Summit, a two-day symposium with renowned national and international guests advancing efforts for free speech around the globe.   Read More

In August 2023, the university launched Dialogue Vanderbilt, its core initiative to bridge divides, reestablish a vibrant culture of civil discourse and free expression, and showcase experts from on campus and around the world, leading the charge to build more engaged citizens and communities.  Read More

Each month, from September through November, the College Democrats and College Republicans will face off in front of a public audience composed of students, faculty, staff and community members. Shortly after each of these debates, the Advocacy, Dialogue and Debate Lab will host an Agnon Dialogue, during which approximately 50 student participants will have the opportunity to make their case in front of and have their arguments tested by their peers.  Read More

Although gun control is a topic at the forefront of the national conversation, it’s rare to see a structured debate on gun policy reform between those on opposing sides of the issue. On Feb. 28, the Advocacy, Dialogue, and Debate Lab for Civil Discourse Education and Vanderbilt Political Review hosted a debate on gun control policy between Vanderbilt College Republicans and College Democrats on gun control policy. It was the first time in several years that the two organizations held a formal debate. The event was sponsored by Dialogue Vanderbilt. Read More

As a follow-up to the successful and illuminating Agnon Dialogues discussion on gun restrictions, Vanderbilt Debate lab is partnering with Vanderbilt Political Review, College Republicans and College Democrats to host a debate on gun control policy Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Read More

Former Tennessee governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam will discuss “Bipartisanship in the Modern Era” on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at Vanderbilt University. Read More

John M. Seigenthaler will moderate a panel discussion titled "The Limits of Free Speech?" Oct. 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Central Library's Community Room. Read More