Difficult Dialogue: Academic Freedom

Difficult Dialogues

Difficult Dialogue: Academic Freedom

Part of the CHA'sÌýDifficult DialogueÌý²õ±ð°ù¾±±ð²õ

February 26, 2025
12pm - 1:30pm
CBIS Room M549 - Norlin Library's 5th floor

Join us for a conversation on the evolving landscape of academic freedom.Ìý

¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ the Event

Know If You Go

ÌýÌýPart of the CHA'sÌýDifficult DialogueÌý²õ±ð°ù¾±±ð²õ
ÌýÌýWednesday, February 26, 2025
ÌýÌý12pm - 1:30pm
ÌýÌýCBIS Room M549 - Norlin Library's 5th floor
ÌýÌýTreats and coffee/tea for all attendees
ÌýÌý

Five years ago, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder experts gathered to explore the meaning and application of academic freedom (see more about 2020 event here). Now in 2025, we are revisiting this topic with a focus on how academic freedom has been reshaped by the significant changes that have unfolded since.

Given the changes since February 2020—including the global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, political polarization across two presidential elections, and increasing restrictions on diversity and inclusion—our 3 ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Boulder faculty panelists, moderated by Philosophy PhD Candidate Idowu Odeyemi, will explore how academic freedom has evolved in response to our political climate.Ìý

Hosted by the Center for Humanities & the Arts (CHA), in collaboration with ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Faculty Affairs, and as part of theÌýDifficult Dialogue series, this discussion will explore what academic freedom means for faculty as teachers, researchers, and artists, and the rights and responsibilities that come with it. This event is free for all to attend, and snacks and refreshments will be provided for attendees.

Note: To access the CBIS Room, please enter through the west entrance of Norlin Library, located near Norlin Quad. Once inside, the elevator will be on your left. Take the elevator or stairs to the 5th floor for the CBIS Room.

Please contact the CHA for any questions at cu-cha@colorado.edu.

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Event Guidelines

TheÌýDifficult Dialogue event seriesÌýbrings together local voices to explore complex topics, fostering mutual understanding and a respectful discourse. Difficult Dialogue events aim to create a space for grappling with tough subjects that people may find difficult or uncomfortable to talk about. These events are not debates but platforms for thoughtful exchange.

Please note: The CHA actively chooses not to record Difficult Dialogues events, given the sensitive nature of topics and questions that may be asked in response to and during the event.

Our purpose is to hold dialogues on topics considered difficult, provocative, or controversial, among constituents that may have strong conflicting views.ÌýOur objective is NOT to necessarily agree, fix anything, prove anyone right or wrong, or alter anyone’s position.

We are committed to fostering productive dialogues in the hopes that minds and hearts might expand. We ask that you:

  1. Keep an open mind
  2. Be respectful of others
  3. Listen with the intent to understand
  4. Speak your own truth

We expect to experience discomfort when talking about hard things. Remain engaged and recognize that the discomfort can lead to problem-solving and authentic understanding.

Watch the 2020 panel on Academic Freedom hosted by ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Faculty Affairs (not affiliated with the Center for Humanities & the Arts) here:Ìý

Center for Humanities & the Arts logo
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Faculty Affairs logo