Fall Presidential Conversation Series Highlights Civility and Respect
This fall, President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., will be hosting a Baylor Conversation Series focused on civil discourse. In an era of deep divides, mutual respect in cases of disagreement is hard to come by.
“One of the hallmarks of higher education is fostering an environment in which individuals can be exposed to and learn to navigate a marketplace of ideas in a way that allows them to come to their own convictions and express them with respect and poise,” President Livingstone said. “As Baylor prepares students for worldwide leadership, we must equip them with the valuable practice of civil discourse without hostility and with respect for the experiences of others.”
The Conversation Series features panels of faculty members, experts from other colleges and universities, and small group discussions. Notably, Drs. Robert P. George, Princeton, and Cornel West, Harvard, known widely for their ability to remain friends while coming from opposite ends of the political spectrum, will conclude the fall series.
“As a Christian research university, we are called to demonstrate an even greater, Christ-like hospitality alongside scholarly inquiry while discussing different viewpoints,” President Livingstone said. “All of us at Baylor have a responsibility to engage others with compassion and grace even in challenging situations.”
September 30
Faculty Panel on Civil Discourse
Mayborn Museum Complex Theater 3:30 p.m.
October 16
Faculty-led Roundtable with Student Leaders
Barfield Drawing Room, SUB 3:30 p.m.
October 28
Drs. Tim Muehlhoff and Rick Langer, Biola University
Barfield Drawing Room, SUB 10 a.m.
November 15
Drs. Robert P. George and Cornel West
Waco Hall 1:30 p.m.
Other events this fall, hosted through various academic areas, also offer educational opportunities for civil discourse. A schedule of civil discourse events, along with a list of related recommended readings from Baylor faculty members, can be found at baylor.edu/president.