Common Ground Events

This student-wide dialogue is about the political climate on-campus. We aim to answer the question "How can we overcome self-censorship and foster a culture of authenticity on campus?" Is our campus community a welcoming environment for political differences? Have you ever felt ostracized for sharing your opinions and beliefs? Are there ideas our campus community shouldn't tolerate? Is our campus a place where political differences can be shared without fear of exclusion? We will dialogue about this important topic together. Dinner will be prov...

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...