Vanderbilt Project On Unity And American Democracy

  • Vanderbilt University

    Kristy Roschke appointed executive director of McGee Applied Research Center for Narrative Studies

    Roschke, a renowned expert in media literacy and misinformation, has been named the inaugural executive director of the McGee Applied Research Center for Narrative Studies at Vanderbilt University beginning Oct. 15. Roschke will also hold a faculty appointment in the Program in Communication of Science and Technology in the College of Arts and Science. Read More

    Oct 8, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    Applications now open for inaugural Dialogue Vanderbilt Student Advisory Board

    To ensure student voices are integral in the direction and activities of Dialogue Vanderbilt, a new cross-initiative Dialogue Vanderbilt Student Advisory Board is being established, effective for the fall 2024 semester. Applications are now open for all undergraduate students. Dialogue Vanderbilt is the university’s core initiative to bridge divides,… Read More

    Sep 4, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    The Choice: Meacham and Geer on 2024

    The Choice, produced by the Dialogue Vanderbilt, is a four-part podcast focused on the key moments and ramifications of the 2024 presidential election between former president Donald J. Trump and current President Joseph R. Biden. Vanderbilt’s Jon Meacham and John Geer will blend history and political science to offer insights and context about this rematch of the 2020 presidential contest. Read More

    May 16, 2024

  • Bestselling author and Vanderbilt alumnus James Patterson (right) discussed his writing process and prolific career during a conversation moderated by John M. Seigenthaler in Langford Auditorium on April 11.

    James Patterson discusses formative years, book bans, writing process at Vanderbilt event

    James Patterson has published over 400 titles and sold more than 425 million copies of his books, but he first gained the confidence to pursue a career in writing while working toward a graduate degree at Vanderbilt. Patterson, who earned his master’s in English from the university in 1970, discussed his writing process, prolific career, the value of collaboration, and his support for librarians and reading in a wide-ranging conversation moderated by former NBC News anchor John M. Seigenthaler. Read More

    Apr 22, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    ‘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 More

    Feb 29, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    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 More

    Feb 22, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    ‘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 More

    Feb 13, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    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 More

    Jan 23, 2024

  • american flag

    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 More

    Jan 11, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    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 More

    Jan 8, 2024

  • Vanderbilt University

    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 More

    Jan 4, 2024

  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy

    Nashville Public Television, Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy collaborate on broadcast and digital feature

    A feature program about The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy will make its Nashville Public Television debut on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 8:30 p.m. CT and will be available afterward on the PBS app. Directly following the premiere, at 9:30 p.m., Vanderbilt professor John Geer and Unity Project co-chairs Bill Haslam and Samar Ali will discuss what they’ve learned in the two years since the project’s inception.  Read More

    Oct 30, 2023

  • New York Time columnist Bret Stephens at the Dialogue Vanderbilt lecture on Oct. 16. (Harrison McClary/Vanderbilt)

    Inaugural Free Speech Week fosters dialogue, collaboration at Vanderbilt

    Vanderbilt celebrated its “bedrock principle” of free speech through a series of panels and discussions Oct. 10–17 during the university’s inaugural celebration of national Free Speech Week. Read More

    Oct 19, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    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 More

    Sep 29, 2023

  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy

    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 More

    Sep 26, 2023

  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy

    Applications now open for Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy Student Advisory Board; apply by Sept. 27

    The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy invites undergraduates to apply for its Student Advisory Board. This group will contribute to the Unity Project’s mission of enhancing Americans’ capacity for civic engagement, provide advice on additional programming, and have the opportunity to interact with prominent guests.  Read More

    Sep 22, 2023

  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy

    The Unity Project launches Lunch and Learn series; register for Sept. 19 discussion of the term ‘LatinX’

    Vanderbilt community members are invited to join the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy for its first Lunch and Learn, "What LatinX Means to Asylum Seekers," on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Registration is limited to 25; lunch will not be provided. Read More

    Sep 14, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    V150: Teaching Across the Divide

    The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, including an undergraduate course, encourages civil discourse during a time of deep polarization. Read More

    Jul 5, 2023

  • The Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy

    Vanderbilt senior claims top prize in second annual Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy poetry contest

    Students from seven Tennessee colleges and universities submitted poems exploring “What unity through American democracy means to me” for the second annual poetry contest sponsored by the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy. The judges selected Vanderbilt senior Sophie Kaiser’s poem as the winner. Read More

    Apr 24, 2023

  • Vanderbilt University

    WATCH: Expulsion Explained: Precedence and Aftermath of the Tennessee Three

    The Tennessee Legislature has recently garnered national attention with the attempted expulsion of three state representatives—and the eventual expulsion of Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson. The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy will host a virtual event on Thursday, April 13, at noon to discuss the broader historical, political and spiritual context and to explore legislative effectiveness at the state level and the potential long-term impacts of last week’s events. Read More

    Apr 12, 2023