At the University of Denver, we pursue truth and knowledge because we enjoy intellectual discovery. We sharpen our critical thinking skills and explore diverse viewpoints. We follow our curiosity. We engage in complex and challenging conversations that impact our community and the world.

We do not seek consensus or homogenous thinking. Instead, we seek to learn from and contribute to the never-ending search for truth while demonstrating the respect, intellectual integrity, and strength of character that characterize us and our values.

Our commitments

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Freedom of expression and civilized discourse

It is critical to our goals as an academic institution that community members can speak, participate, and listen in public discourse without fear of censorship.

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pluralism

Accept and respect diverse perspectives and identities while fostering inspiring relationships and collaboration across differences.

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Academic freedom

As a fundamental principle of knowledge advancement, educators can teach, pursue, research and discuss what they believe is important and relevant without undue interference.

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Friday, September 6

Looking back on the global election year: What is the state of democracy?

As part of the ongoing Denver Democracy Series hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, this virtual conversation will reflect on the past year and our learnings as we approach election season. The campus community is invited to watch the webinars together in person in the Forum (SIE 1020).

Register

DU students wear patriotic clothing and wave US flags

Tuesday, September 10

Observing the 2024 presidential debates

DU students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend a Presidential Debate Watch Party, which will feature food, beverages, and a faculty-moderated question-and-answer session. This event is co-hosted by the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, and the Center for American Politics.

Register

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Tuesday, September 17

DU celebrates Constitution Day

Join DU for its first celebration of this historic day. Highlights include a keynote address by national free speech thought leader Alan Chen of DU, visit booths exploring what we can learn from “banned books,” register to vote, and more.

Learn more and register

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Friday, October 11

Elections in the 21st Century: Technology, Disinformation/Misinformation and AI

As part of the Josef Korbel School of International Studies' ongoing Denver Democracy Series, this virtual conversation will explore the impact and challenges of technology in elections. The campus community is invited to watch the webinars together in person in the forum (SIE 1020).

Register

Freedom of expression and our policies

DU protects the right of all community members to free speech while maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, discrimination, violence, or destruction of property.

Speakers at the DU Spark event

Show the way. Create opportunities.

Project grants. Community events. Specialized trainings and workshops. Campus-wide collaboration. And more. DU's Free Speech and Pluralism Initiatives, led by Faculty Director Derigan Silver, serve as a gathering place, hub, and engine for participating, learning, reflecting, and delving deeper into the most complex and difficult issues facing DU—and the world.

Contact us today

Join Signature DU programs

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Debate across the curriculum

DU professors work with rhetoric experts on campus to train students in non-competitive debates in the classroom. Using topics linked to class topics, students are assigned viewpoints that they must thoroughly research before defending their point of view in front of the class—all with the goal of deepening learning.

Learn more

DU's debate about braver angels

spark

DU's annual programming day is dedicated to free expression, pluralism and civil discourse. Look for more information about the third Spark later this year.

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Denver Dialogues

The Korbel School of International Studies and the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy bring together thought leaders from leading U.S. think tanks to engage in constructive conversations and debates on policy issues affecting the country and the world.

Learn more