Civil Discourse on Campus

As tensions rise over what can be said, how, and by whom, calls for “civil” discourse have taken on new urgency across university campuses. But what, exactly, is civil discourse? Is the idea of civility itself shaped by dynamics of power and privilege? Can discourse remain civil when some groups have more at stake than others? And do all questions deserve a civil response, particularly when they are framed in ways that some consider hateful?

This event brings together three leading voices in campus dialogue—Randy Boyagoda (University of Toronto) and Kim Newman (University of Windsor), and Marc Lafrance (Concordia University)——for a wide-ranging reflection on the complexities of fostering meaningful debate on today’s university campuses.

How can you participate? Join us in person by filling out the form or online by registering for the Zoom Meeting or watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca

Kim Nelson 

Film & Director of the Humanities Research Group, University of Windsor

Marc Lafrance

Sociology, Concordia University 

Randy Boyagoda

English, University of Toronto & Provostial Advisor on Civil Discourse