The University of Michigan is an institution with diverse communities, interests and opinions. In Fall 2024, the Faculty Senate Office launched this series – Political Speech and the Public Square – to provide a forum for members of the U-M community to present informed, fact-based perspectives, and to listen to and learn from each other. In his essay, “Education as a Space to Change Your Mind,” philosopher Troy Jollimore reminds us of Socrates’ commitment to open-mindedness: “It requires that we work toward developing a sense of the world as a vast and complex place that we can, and ought to, continue to learn about for the rest of our lives.”

Offered in this spirit of intellectual humility, to support the principles of academic freedom, and to develop a campus climate comfortable with hearing different well-informed points of view, even those counter to one’s own views, the lunchtime series will take place on the Diag throughout the Fall. U-M Students, staff, and faculty can sign up in advance to request an opportunity to speak on select topics for 3-5 minutes. Or they can simply come to listen and learn. These events are co-sponsored by the Faculty Senate Office, the Initiative for Democracy & Civic Empowerment, the Ginsberg Center, Open Inquiry: Talking Maize & Blue, and Central Student Government.

Event Dates/Topics:

This year’s series asks community members to share their perspective on the following topics:
What Do I Want in a New U-M President? (September 23, 2025. 12-1pm)
Moderator: Neeraja Aravamudan, Director, Ginsberg Center
Artificial Intelligence: Is It a Good Thing? (October 21, 2025. 12-1pm)
Moderator: TBD
Surveillance: Does It Make Us Safer? (November 18, 2025. 12-1pm)
Moderator: TBD
Free Speech: Should There be Limits? (December 2, 2025. 12-1pm)
Moderator: Neeraja Aravamudan, Director, Ginsberg Center
Event Location: The Diag

Event Duration: 1 hour; 12pm – 1pm

Format: Speakers will be scheduled in advance; Each speaker will have 3-5 minutes, depending on the number of speakers; Moderator will guide with rules of engagement.

This page will be updated with more information throughout the fall term, including about how to participate.

For more information on this event and upcoming events, please visit: https://facultysenate.umich.edu/political-speech-and-the-public-square/