Event Recap: Deliberative Forum on Freedom of Expression at Davidson

On April 23, the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative hosted a Deliberative Forum on “Free Expression at Davidson: Rights and Responsibilities during an Uncertain Time.” The forum was the last DCI event to be held in the Lilly Gallery before it is transformed into a study space for the next two years while the library is renovated. A total of 144 people attended the event; 61 in-person and 83 online.

Like most past DCI forums, this event included both expert speakers and an opportunity for the audience to engage with one another on the topic. But instead of a panel or roundtable discussion, this time the speakers spoke sequentially to freely express their thoughts about free expression.

The speakers included Melissa Gonzalez (Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Latin American Studies), Dan Layman (Associate Professor of Philosophy), Jim Martin ’57 (Former Davidson Associate Professor of Chemistry and Former Governor of North Carolina), Ike Bailey ’95 (Professor of the Practice in Communication Studies), Jacqueline Pfeffer Merrill (Director of the Campus Free Expression Project, Council of Independent Colleges) and Stacey Riemer (Interim Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students). The event was moderated by Graham Bullock, Associate Professor of Political Science and Faculty Director of the DCI.

Melissa Gonzalez speaking to the audience.

Following the speakers’ remarks, audience members began talking with each other around roundtables in person and in breakout rooms online. Following the DCI’s deliberation guide written for this forum (provided below) and guided by the DCI’s trained facilitators, the discussions explored three related themes and questions:

The Nature and Importance of Freedom of Expression: Why do we value it in a democratic society and in higher education?
The Nature of Responsible Freedom of Expression: What are reasonable limits on our right to “free speech?”
Davidson College’s Approach to Freedom of Expression and the Student Code of Responsibility: How does and how should the College respond to concerns about the expression of particular viewpoints on campus?

Feedback from the event was very positive. 92% of respondents to the post-event survey left either somewhat or very hopeful that we can identify at least some areas of agreement on the importance of free expression and reasonable limits on free speech, 94% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their small group discussion and likely to participate in another Deliberative Forum in the future, and 97% stated they were likely or highly likely to recommend participating in a Deliberative Forum to a friend.

Below are some of the comments that participants shared about their experience at the forum:

“I am really proud to know my alma matter is thinking about this and proactively encouraging discussion. I am proud to be a Davidson Alumni.” Conservative Female Participant

“I applaud you for including an ideologically diverse panel. Though I did not agree with one of the members, it was such a great model of civil discourse! Thank you to Dr. Bailey for his inspiring message to us all!! The event was fantastic, and our small group deliberation was a joy. Thank you to the DCI for this Deliberative Forum! Thanks to the deliberation guide, panel, and small group deliberation, I learned much about the topic, as well as how to deliberate together. Deliberative Forums are a very worthy investment in time personally and for our communities and society.” Liberal Female Participant

“It’s refreshing and encouraging to see an institution of higher learning actively solicit opinions from and engage with a diverse group of students, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends. It speaks to the philosophy of the College…a philosophy from which many other institutions could stand to learn.” Moderate Male Participant

“I enjoyed participating with other thoughtful, intelligent people of varying ages as they discussed a difficult topic.” Conservative Male Participant

“Thank you for hosting this important event, and for the broad range of speakers on the panel. Our small group was well-facilitated by a current student, who set clear parameters, included everyone, and kept the conversation moving. The advance reading provided a good foundation while also being an accessible length. Institutions of higher learning have a powerful opportunity and responsibility right now to protect freedom of speech and it is heartening to know how Davidson is striving to stand up for free speech in our current cultural climate. It was refreshing to reconnect with Davidson by learning about the topic of free speech from faculty, staff, and alumni who offered a broad range of perspectives. I am encouraged to see how carefully this topic is being considered on campus and appreciate the opportunity to connect with others in the structured small group discussion.” Moderate Female Participant

“I thought our moderator was excellent and mature for a sophomore. The organization of the subject matter was great. The diversity of the panel was better than I expected. Being a conservative I did not expect my views to be heard or accepted. I was pleasantly surprised and considered the opposition well formed. I would have enjoyed further discussion.” Conservative Male Participant

“How we do anything matters as much as what we do. The DCI brings people together and teaches us how to be deliberative and how to be an effectively engaged citizen, skills that have application across a wide spectrum of critical issues. While I (as a Davidson parent) benefit personally from the wealth of information and opportunities the DCI offers, what I most appreciate is this opportunity for students. The DCI is supporting Davidson’s statement of purpose in countless way, both directly and indirectly.” Liberal Female Participant

Participants were also invited to like to share any other comments, suggestions, or questions about free expression at Davidson that they would like the College to take into consideration in its approach to managing the tensions around protecting freedom of expression and promoting belong and mutual respect. Responses to this question are included in the document below.

DCI-Forum-on-Free-Expression-Participant-Responses

Check out the recording of the speakers’ remarks, deliberation guide, pathways guide and more photos from the event below.