Civil Discourse

Civil Discourse Series - 

Civil Discourse in a Divided Age

April 6 to April 10

The Texas A&M University System has launched a series of campus symposia focused on civil discourse, respectful dialogue, and civic leadership.

Each of the 12 universities will host events designed to reflect its own campus culture while helping students learn how to engage thoughtfully across differences. At a time when public conversations can feel increasingly divided, this series encourages respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and a stronger culture of civic leadership on our campuses.

Monday

Keynote- State Representative Louderback

Civil Discourse and Leadership

11:00 AM | Walker Auditorium

Join us for a keynote conversation with State Representative AJ Louderback on the critical connection between civil discourse and effective leadership. Drawing on his experience in public service, Representative Louderback will explore how leaders can navigate disagreement, engage across differences, and model principled decision-making in a polarized environment.

The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A featuring pre-submitted questions, allowing for thoughtful, focused dialogue on the issues that matter most to our campus community.

Tuesday

Civil Discourse and Interfaith Dialogue

9:30 AM | Walker Auditorium

Communities of Faith of Victoria, Texas, will gather for a thoughtful conversation on the importance of understanding and respecting interfaith differences and the vital role this plays in fostering civil discourse. In a diverse community, meaningful dialogue across religious traditions strengthens relationships, reduces division, and models for respectful engagement even amid disagreement. Community Faith Leaders will share perspectives from their traditions, reflect on shared values, and discuss how we can build a culture of listening and mutual respect. Join us for this important discussion as we work together to strengthen our community through understanding, collaboration, and principled dialogue.

Dr. Mark Ward Sr. (Moderator), Professor of Communication, Texas A&M University-Victoria

Dr. Gary Branfman, Past President, Congregation B’nai Israel, Victoria, Texas

The Most Rev. Brendan J. Cahill, Bishop, Diocese of Victoria, Texas

The Rev. Dr. Celia Halfacre, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Victoria, Texas

Osama Salah Hassan, Imam, Islamic Center of Victoria, Texas 

 

Wednesday

Free Expression and Respectful Dialogue

2:30 PM | Walker Auditorium

Join Dr. Nadya Pittendrigh (Associate Professor of English), Dr. Mark Ward (Professor of Communication), and Dr. Craig Goodman (Interim Dean & Associate Professor of Political Science)  for a dynamic panel on free expression and respectful dialogue. This conversation will explore civic discourse in an era of culture-war rhetoric, the challenges of intercultural communication, and the responsibilities that accompany academic freedom. Drawing in part on insights from political science research, the panel will examine how polarization shapes public debate and how institutions can respond constructively. Panelists will also address the value of intellectual humility and the discipline of articulating opposing viewpoints. Together, we will consider how free expression and mutual respect can coexist in a diverse society.

Thursday

Structured public conversation (Immigration in America): How do we fix a broken system?

11:00 AM | Commons MPR

Presented in partnership with the Center for Peace Victoria, this session invites students into meaningful small-group conversations designed to foster civil discourse around one of the most pressing issues of our time, immigration. The United States has long been defined as a land of opportunity, welcoming millions of immigrants from every part of the world. While this influx has stimulated our economy and strengthened our culture, questions remain about its long-term impact. Some express concern that immigration may strain public resources, intensify competition for jobs, or pose security challenges, while others emphasize its vital role in innovation, workforce growth, and cultural vitality. Participants will explore diverse perspectives, identify shared values, and engage respectfully across differences. In a time of growing polarization, this workshop offers an opportunity to move beyond headlines and deepen understanding through thoughtful dialogue.

Friday

Practicing Civil Discourse

10:00 AM | Walker Auditorium

To conclude the week, this session moves beyond simply talking about civil discourse and focuses on putting those principles into practice. Faculty, students, and campus leaders will participate in moderated conversations addressing real issues that are relevant to our university community.

The goal is not to reach perfect agreement, but to demonstrate how respectful listening, intellectual humility, and principled disagreement can create space for productive conversation. This final session serves as both a capstone to the week and a reminder that civil discourse is not a one-time event; it is a skill and a responsibility that must be practiced daily in our classrooms, our communities, and our civic life.