Tulane University announced the new Center for Civil Discourse on Thursday, which aims to organize and promote thoughtful discourse among the student body. The opening comes during a time of escalating political polarization.
“Political science research finds that polarization is high right now,” said Scott Nolan, senior professor of practice in American politics. “Civil discourse is foundational to a functioning, healthy democracy.”
The formation of the center is actively underway and does not yet have an office or website.
“Most Americans believe that, as a nation, we are not engaging in reasoned debate on many issues,” President Michael Fitts said in an email to all students and faculty.
The center’s goal is “for members of the Tulane community to engage meaningfully with one another over the pressing issues of our time,” Fitts said. Initiatives coordinated by the center will include grants for civil discourse programming, discussion projects and faculty leadership opportunities.
“The center offers us all to become better equipped to work and live with people who don’t agree with us 100% of the time, and that is a great skill to have,” Nolan said.
University-age students are the youngest population of voters, and form their political opinions through their families, communities and, more than ever, social media. Fitts said these opinions are also informed by students’ university environment.
“Our focus [is] furthering education that expands the minds of students and other members of our community, thereby increasing their ability to think independently and contribute to the betterment of our world,” Fitts said.
The new center comes shortly after Tulane approved Turning Point USA, a conservative group founded by activist Charlie Kirk, as an officially registered student organization.
Tulane has led initiatives in the past promoting civil discourse through the Center for Public Service, like the Civic Engagement Fellows Program, which provides students with access to public forums, workshops and guest speakers.
The Civic Engagement Fellows Program was created by Tulane senior Barclay Zislin.
“I think our student body has the potential to make a real impact in the community,” Zislin said in Tulane News. “It also aligns with the core purpose of education on our campus, offering an avenue for students to make change, express their ideas and contribute to meaningful causes.”
“Some of the deepest learning I have ever had about politics comes from listening to people or talking with people who I disagree with on issues,” Nolan said. “It doesn’t always mean that I’m changing my mind, but it does make my knowledge wider.”