Whether in politics, the church, on campus or within our families, there is a need for civil discourse. While we may not always agree, civil discourse requires mutual respect and objectivity without hostility – demonstrating an appreciation for the experiences of others.
Against this backdrop, and with our call to be salt of the earth and light of the world, Baylor University is offering a range of conversations, trainings and presentations focused on civil discourse – acknowledging this topic is especially important as we strive to be a marketplace of ideas and extend the love of Christ toward others.
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Civil Discourse Week 2026
Intercultural Engagement coordinates Civil Discourse Week, which is taking place from March 23-27. It is a week dedicated to equipping the Baylor community with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for civil discourse—what it is, why it matters, and how it can be practiced for the common good. Through engaging events, lectures, and conversations, we aim to foster a culture of respectful dialogue across lines of difference.
Strategic Plan Imperative
Brooks’ visit was one of several initiatives designed to foster civility during challenging times. It is also an example of how civil discourse might be interwoven into Baylor’s new strategic plan – Baylor in Deeds – where civil discourse is one of four imperatives. Baylor has committed to “intentionally design opportunities that prepare our students – and the entire Baylor Family – to learn from people whose life experiences and ideas are different from their own, work across difference, lead through conflict and build bridges of understanding that help society flourish.”
Upcoming Events
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Baylor Initiatives
Student Life Intercultural Engagement: Civil Discourse
Intercultural Engagement in the Division of Student Life includes two main programs to equip our community to engage in civil discourse at Baylor:
1. Bridging the Gap and the Baylor Bridgebuilding Fellows Program
Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a grant-funded curriculum through Interfaith America that equips participants with the skills and knowledge to better engage across deep divides in polarized contexts. Participants who successfully complete the BTG curriculum are invited to join the Bridgebuilding Fellows program, serving as role models and equipping others in our campus community toward making a positive difference in how we relate to one another through bridging events.
2. Public Deliberation Initiative
The Public Deliberation Initiative (PDI) seeks to engage students, staff, faculty, and community members in constructive dialogue and deliberation that addresses important global and local issues and offers new perspectives for participants. Deliberation involves the best parts of dialogue (conversational) and debate (argument) to offer an experience where participants can learn from one another by talking through different perspectives and approaches to local and global issues and working together to come up with community action steps.
3. Civil Discourse Week
Civil Discourse Week is dedicated to equipping the Baylor community with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for civil discourse— what it is, why it matters, and how it can be practiced for the common good. Through engaging events, lectures, and conversations, we aim to foster a culture of respectful dialogue across lines of difference. The first Civil Discourse Week was in Spring 2025 as a part of Student Government's B-Civil Act and is now managed by the Office of Intercultural Engagement.