Protecting Free Speech and Promoting Civility: The Dueling Responsibilities of American Colleges and Universities

Freedom House estimates that 75% of the world’s population lives in countries that experienced a democratic decline in 2020. Even in long established democracies, liberal democratic values have been shaken. As democracy requires an enlightened citizenry cultivated by a college education, many American universities and colleges adopt civic instruction and engagement as a core responsibility and mission. However, growing anti-intellectualism has drawn increased scrutiny and suspicion towards the programming, curriculum, and core values of universities. Powerful political figures regularly accuse universities of stifling conservative voices and discouraging free speech. The tension between free speech and civic dialogue requires a reframing of universities’ civic responsibility. It is no longer enough for universities to simply teach American political institutions and encourage voting. If our democracy is to move beyond today’s extreme polarization, today’s democratic citizens need civic dialogue training to be able to discuss politically contentious issues with civility, even in disagreement. This paper highlights a teaching intervention that requires students to complete constructive dialogue training and then practice new skills throughout the semester in actual dialogues on contemporary political issues. Students’ reflections on the experience highlight personal growth and understanding of their own views and moral foundations. These reflections document an increased ability to actively listen, greater respect for different viewpoints, and a growing comfort in expressing differing perspectives. Through civic dialogue training, colleges and universities can empower free speech and expression on campus and meet their civic responsibility to cultivate democratic citizens.