Effort aims to strengthen discourse across difference

University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono will establish an Institute for Civil Discourse to strengthen debate and dialog across the vast spectrum of ideologies and political perspectives on campus and beyond.

Rather than residing in a single school or college, the center will stand alone and serve as a resource for the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses.

“We learn by confronting different arguments and different perspectives. Michigan is the place to do this—to show our community and nation that civil discourse is not just possible, it is the very best way to learn and to solve problems. It is fundamental to our democracy,” Ono said at the December Board of Regents meeting where the institute was announced.

In the coming months, Ono will initiate a search for an inaugural director, appoint an advisory board of academic leaders representing a broad range of ideological viewpoints and solicit financial support from individuals and foundations across a variety of perspectives.

The announcement is the latest in a series of steps taken this year to support diversity of thought and free expression at the university. The regents in January approved the Principles on Diversity of Thought and Freedom of Expression to reinforce the university’s “responsibility to stimulate and support diverse ideas and model constructive engagement with different viewpoints.”