Universities must embrace thought pluralism. For higher ed and our society, it is as vital as freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression. If we silence dissension on our college campuses, we are not serving our students and, worse, we may fail to provide them with the tools and skills the American public expects them to graduate with.

- Jeremy Haefner
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Activation Plan

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Below is an overview of some campus activities:

  • Debate Across the Curriculum: Practiced in classrooms across campus by teacher invitation. The process covers three class periods — the first prepares students, the second is the debate and the third is a debrief session. The exercise teaches students how to engage in a civil manner.
  • Spark 2025: Third annual day dedicated to thought pluralism, freedom of expression, academic freedom and civil discourse — values which underpin the very heart of higher education. Seeks to expose students to different ideas so they may better form their own.
  • Denver Dialogues: Brings together experts from four of the nation’s premier think tanks to engage in and model robust and constructive conversations on major issues facing the nation and the world.
Logo for Denver University
Jeremy Haefner
Chancellor, University of Denver
Logo for Denver University

Below is an overview of some campus activities:

  • Debate Across the Curriculum: Practiced in classrooms across campus by teacher invitation. The process covers three class periods — the first prepares students, the second is the debate and the third is a debrief session. The exercise teaches students how to engage in a civil manner.
  • Spark 2025: Third annual day dedicated to thought pluralism, freedom of expression, academic freedom and civil discourse — values which underpin the very heart of higher education. Seeks to expose students to different ideas so they may better form their own.
  • Denver Dialogues: Brings together experts from four of the nation’s premier think tanks to engage in and model robust and constructive conversations on major issues facing the nation and the world.

Universities must embrace thought pluralism. For higher ed and our society, it is as vital as freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression. If we silence dissension on our college campuses, we are not serving our students and, worse, we may fail to provide them with the tools and skills the American public expects them to graduate with.

- Jeremy Haefner