The topic of free speech on college campuses is being hotly debated at the national, state and local level. Higher education institutions in our state, including the Universities of Wisconsin, are no exception. At a time when many colleges are facing enrollment and funding challenges, they are also experiencing intense interest in global issues (such as the inflamed conflict in the Middle East), as well as national and state issues (including the debate about the role of diversity, equity and inclusion on campus).  At the heart of the debate is the intersection of free speech and civility.

In 2023, the Universities of Wisconsin system launched a cornerstone initiative, the newly created Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD). This newly established institute focuses on expanding and advancing the efforts to promote freedom of expression and civil dialogue on the Universities of Wisconsin campuses. The discussion in this program will address the big picture challenges faced, as well as the planned approaches proposed by WICCD at the state and local level.

Register: https://leaderethics.us/event-5550909