Right now, we are seeing unprecedented and overt infringements on academic freedom nationwide and around the world. In Florida the state government is telling scholars they cannot teach certain topics and must remove them from courses or else face reprisals.

Strategies that make dialogue practical, scaffolded, reflective, and low-stakes — conditions that enable students to build the confidence and capacity to
connect across difference.

“This type of event really helps my critical thinking. I really enjoy talking with my professors, agreeing and disagreeing with them. There is value in having intellectual conversation and dialogue and disagreements with professors and my peers.”

The largest report of its kind, the rankings draw from more than 68,000 student respondents from 257 colleges and universities and are designed to help parents and prospective students choose the right school.

What can we say fairly and honestly about the state of the First Amendment? Why does it seem like so many members of each party can’t wait to use the machinery of the state to limit the speech of their political opponent? Greg Lukianoff, the president of FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) joins Plain English to discuss

Think Again by Adam Grant explores the power of rethinking our beliefs and assumptions. Grant argues that true intelligence lies not in what we know, but in our ability to question and change our minds. Drawing on research and real-world examples, he shows how embracing curiosity and intellectual humility can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more innovative thinking.

In UVA’s main dining halls, a few tables sport table tents that ask students to take off their headphones, put down their phones and strike up a conversation with a Hoo they don’t know.

"The nation’s poisonous divisions, exacerbated by politicians, cable news and social media, and collectively known as the outrage industrial complex, have been much lamented. Less noticed is the counterweight, a constellation of nonprofits and other organizations like the Kentucky Rural Urban Exchange devoted to bridging divides — urban and rural, Black and white, L.G.B.T.Q. and straight, left and right."

"Ideas are replaced with identity. Forgiveness is replaced with punishment. Debate is replaced with disinvitation and de-platforming. Diversity is replaced with homogeneity of thought. Inclusion with exclusion. Excellence with equity."

The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt examines how a culture of safetyism and emotional fragility has taken root in schools and universities. The authors argue that overprotecting young people from discomfort and opposing viewpoints undermines resilience, critical thinking, and mental health. Drawing on psychology and social trends, they call for a return to open dialogue, exposure to challenge, and the cultivation of strength through constructive disagreement.

Mary Kate Cary and Jennifer Lawless co-taught an Election 2024 course. The professors fall on different sides of the aisle, but handle disagreement with mutual respect and curiosity. 

"I went to college to learn from my professors and peers. I welcomed an environment that champions intellectual diversity and rigorous disagreement. Instead, my college experience has been defined by strict ideological conformity. Students of all political persuasions hold back — in class discussions, in friendly conversations, on social media — from saying what we really think."

The Holy Anarchy of Fun invites readers to reclaim play, spontaneity, and delight as essential human freedoms. It argues that in a world increasingly dominated by seriousness, rules, and caution, embracing the unstructured joy of fun becomes a revolutionary act. With wit and reflection, it champions curiosity, irreverence, and the messy magic of living fully in the moment.

"Our culture on Grounds needs to improve. We need to do better if we are to accomplish what I believe is UVA’s ultimate mission – to pursue truth with courage."