Common Ground Events

Debate Society and Common Ground are collaborating to present an Oxford-style student debate, which is a formal debate format that uses audience feedback to determine the winner. Dinner will be provided. Our speakers will debate the resolution: "RESOLVED, that compliance with the Voting Rights Act constitutionally justifies race-predominant redistricting." Our speakers are Iain McGiffin '26 (affirmative) and Pedro Barata '28 (negation). This motion captures the central tension of Louisiana v. Callais, a case currently before the Supreme Court. ...

Common Ground is hosting a student dialogue. The guiding question will be announced shortly after the start of the spring semester. Dinner will be provided. More information to come.

What is the meaning of The Declaration of Independence? On the 250th anniversary year of the United States of America, we pause to reflect on our founding documents. What did the Founding Fathers intend in the words included in The Declaration? How has the interpretation of the Declaration of Independence changed over time? What amendments have reshaped the nation? Scholars David Blight and Lucas Morel will discuss the meaning of the Declaration of Independence throughout history and today. The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot at...

After attending the "Meaning of the Declaration of Independence" talk featuring former David Blight and Lucas Morel, we invite students to join in the conversation. A small group dialogue will be facilitated by Common Ground student ambassadors. Lunch will be provided. Please register to attend. Let's continue the conversation. This lunch is in partnership with the Levitt Center's Community Conversation Project.

"Common Ground Continued" invites campus experts to respond and react to what Common Ground speakers share at our Common Ground events. Professors Doug Ambrose, Maurice Isserman, and Rob Martin will respond to the April 22 event "The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence: From 1776 to 2026" that featured David Blight and Lucas Morel. Ambrose, Isserman, and Martin will examine the speaker's accounts, add their own perspectives, and answer audience questions. Lunch will be provided. Douglas Ambrose is the Christian A. Johnson Excellence in T...