Embedding and Bolstering Civil Discourse

Oakland University’s Summit on Civil Discourse, Freedom of Speech and Political Violence on College Campuses – September 30 and October 1, 2026

Recent events and debates have sparked a concern over the state of discourse on many college campuses. From reactions to geo-political issues to the presence of speakers from various viewpoints on campus and from a rise in self-censorship among students to questions about free expression, higher education is at a critical juncture with respect to how these debates will shape experiences for students.

The need for this Summit is clear. Research shows a significant increase in students who say that campuses should not permit individuals with certain views to speak on campus, and that activities like shouting down a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus, blocking other students from attending a campus speech and using violence to stop a campus speech are acceptable. In addition, growing numbers of faculty and students report that they self-censor on campus. Moreover, there has been an increase in the percentage of Americans who say political violence is justified to silence specific voices, especially among young people.

Day 1

5:30-7 p.m.: Reception and dinner for Summit attendees and participants

7-9 p.m.: The Dennis Muchmore Public Policy Series with Greg Lukianoff and Nadine Strossen, authors of “The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail.” This event is free and open to the public.

Day 2

8-9 a.m.: Breakfast and networking

9:15-10:45 a.m.: The First Amendment and Free Expression on College Campuses

11-12:15 p.m.: Campus Political Violence in Modern America

12:30-1:45 p.m.: Lunch and Roundtable

2-3 p.m.: The Civility Session

3:15-4:30 p.m.: The President’s Panel

5-6:30 p.m.: Closing remarks and reception

Fall 2026 will also see two visiting professors come to campus for two academic years, teaching a course and hosting events centered on civil discourse. Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson, co-founders of the Civility Project, have also co-authored The Civility Book, which details not only the background of the Civility Project but also provides important discussion topics as well as strategies and tactics around bolstering civil discourse.

Finley and Henderson, during their time at OU, will be able to leverage their connections across Michigan and in the world of politics to recruit other notable and influential speakers to be part of the work at OU that will be offered to students, faculty and staff as well as the off-campus community. This pair will also assist in executing the additional elements of the overall project.

We cannot rely on only those who embrace the idea of expanding civil discourse to move the needle in this work. This element of the project will deepen the bench of those equipped to, at an absolute basic level, understand the importance of providing an environment where viewpoint diversity and the opportunity to engage across issues with thoughtful and respectful debate are supported and welcomed. It will also lead to an increase in the number of individuals at OU who are able to help students, faculty and staff work through their disagreements in a productive, dignified and respectful manner.

In short, this element of the project will train a large cohort of staff (as well as faculty and students) in the principles of civil discourse and productive dialogue. Oakland University’s Strategic Vision 2030 includes the Courageous Conversations initiative. This professional development training fits perfectly in this initiative as it will help create a team of individuals who are prepared to engage in and, more importantly, manage and facilitate difficult conversations.

In order to embed the ability for us to have courageous conversations about difficult issues into the culture of the institution, we need more individuals to be equipped with the skills and resources to handle the facilitation of these discussions.

Participation in these programs would allow OU to build an expanding team of staff (and faculty and students) who are prepared and equipped with what it takes to work with other faculty and staff as well as students when difficult issues present themselves.