In the classroom and other campus spaces, scorn and indignation for people we disagree with are preventing productive discussion on contested issues. On especially hot-button topics, there’s even a growing tendency to remain silent rather than risk rebuke. We’ve got to do better. But how?

Join us for a presentation by and collaborative discussion with Lara Schwartz and Andrea Malkin Brenner, 2019-20 Fellows at the University California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. In their current research, Brenner and Schwartz develop a paradigm shift favoring robust inquiry on campus that transcends disagreement and debate. “Can we Talk?” is part of the Fellows’ week-long residency at UC Santa Cruz.

In addition to their scholarly work and innovative teaching at AU, together they are authors of the hugely successful book How to College; What to Know Before You Go (and When You’re There). They are currently under contract with Macmillan to produce a new book tentatively titled A Guide to Productive and Inclusive Discourse on Campus, for which they will be conducting research during their weeklong UCSC residency.

Andrea Malkin Brenner, Ph.D. is a sociologist, speaker and an independent consultant who works with students, faculty, and staff on challenges related to college transitions.

Lara Schwartz, J.D. teaches at American University School of Public Affairs in Washington DC, where she founded and directs the Project on Social Discourse.

Sponsored by: The Center for Public Philosophy and The Community Studies Program

For more information and accommodation requests, contact pudup@ucsc.edu