University of Michigan’s Center for American Dialogue Preview Day on April 13 will gather local, regional and national leaders to introduce U-M’s new immersive approach to leading productive civil discourse.

Preview Day is available via livestream to faculty, staff, students and the public. The U-M community responded enthusiastically to the event invitation, reserving all in-person seats within hours at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre in the Michigan League.

The event keynote presenter is David Brooks, author, political and cultural commentator. It will also feature a facilitated question-and-answer session with Michigan Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor) and Lisa McClain (R-Romeo).

Announced in September by President Domenico Grasso, the Center for American Dialogue is a service-focused hub enabling students, faculty, staff and the public to directly challenge issues faced by society in an era dominated by polarization and eroding civic trust.

The center aims to become a defining example of how to effectively promote civil discourse and convene with purpose, to produce thoughtful, informed, well-reasoned and consequential outcomes that save lives, improve quality of life and create opportunities for all Americans.

Originally introduced as the Institute for Civil Discourse, the center will have a presence on U-M’s campuses in Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint, as well as Washington, D.C., and locations across the state and the country that offer productive opportunities for constructive dialogue.

On April 13, university leaders will introduce more details about the center, which will include events, classes, community engagements, interactive simulations and innovation competition that will encourage community members to better understand and work with a wide range of perspectives.

Grasso will give remarks and will be joined by Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation, the Gerald R. Ford Distinguished University Professor of Political Science and a leading scholar on trust and credibility. Lupia is leading the Center for American Dialogue initiative.

Two U-M students will provide perspectives: Eric Veal Jr., Central Student Government president and Angelica Previero, Rackham Student Government president.