Resources

The Commitment to Freedom of Expression, which aims to affirm the institution’s dedication to the free exchange of ideas, was drafted in 2021 by a working group composed of faculty, students, a trustee, and an alumnus. Former North Carolina Governor and DFTD Board Member, Jim Martin ‘57, served on that committee. The group worked to craft a clear, lasting statement that reflects Davidson’s values. It was adopted by the Board of Trustees and affirmed by faulty in March of 2023.

The purpose of the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative is to create opportunities for Davidson students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the wider community to productively engage with one another on difficult and contentious issues facing our community and society. 

DCI regularly offers forums and opportunities for alumni and community members to engage in civil dialogue.

The DFTD Reading List highlights works that help readers navigate complex issues, sharpen critical thinking, and explore new viewpoints. It exists for educational use and as a guide for anyone interested in thoughtful discourse. We welcome recommendations for additions. If there’s a book, article, or author you think belongs on the list, please share it with us.

The Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA) is a nationwide coalition of alumni-led organizations committed to advancing free expression, academic freedom, and open dialogue across American colleges and universities. AFSA supports its member groups through shared resources, collaborative initiatives, and a collective voice that highlights the importance of open inquiry in higher education.

Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse is an engaged member of AFSA. Through this partnership, DFTD connects with peer organizations across the country, exchanges ideas and best practices, and contributes to a broader movement to uphold free expression on campus. Our participation in AFSA strengthens our efforts at Davidson and reinforces our commitment to expanding opportunities for thoughtful discussion and viewpoint inclusion within the college community.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) is a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and advancing individual rights to free speech, free thought, and expressive freedom in higher education and beyond. Through research, legal support, policy analysis, and public education, FIRE works to ensure that students and faculty understand and can exercise their expressive rights in a wide variety of campus settings.

Each year, FIRE partners with College Pulse to conduct one of the nation’s largest surveys of college students’ views and experiences regarding free speech and expression on campus. This annual survey, which in recent years has included responses from tens of thousands of undergraduates across hundreds of institutions, provides in-depth data on how students perceive free speech climates, self-censorship, controversial speakers, and administrative support for expressive rights — and it forms the basis of FIRE’s widely referenced College Free Speech Rankings. 

FIRE

Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse aligns with FIRE’s mission and regularly draws on the insights and resources that FIRE’s research and advocacy provide. Our connection helps inform our own efforts to support open inquiry at Davidson, stay aware of national trends, and promote a campus culture where open discussion and a broad range of viewpoints are genuinely welcomed and respected.

The Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) is a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of conversations across lines of difference. Drawing on research in psychology, conflict resolution, and education, CDI develops tools, curricula, and training programs that help students, educators, and institutions build the skills needed for productive, respectful, and intellectually honest dialogue. Their work equips communities to navigate disagreement, reduce polarization, and engage more thoughtfully with complex issues.

Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse draws on CDI’s research-based resources to support our mission at Davidson. CDI’s materials and guidance help inform our efforts to strengthen open inquiry, encourage viewpoint inclusion, and prepare students for meaningful conversations across perspectives. While independent from CDI, DFTD benefits from their nationally recognized expertise and incorporates their insights into our programming and campus engagement.

Heterodox Academy (HxA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to strengthening open inquiry, constructive disagreement, and viewpoint inclusion in higher education. Through research, campus programs, and practical tools for faculty, students, and administrators, HxA supports environments where individuals feel encouraged to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage seriously with differing perspectives. Their work promotes a culture in which intellectual humility and evidence-based dialogue are central to academic life.

Braver Angels is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing political polarization and fostering constructive dialogue across ideological divides. Through structured workshops, debates, and conversation programs, Braver Angels equips participants with skills to engage respectfully, listen actively, and understand differing perspectives without compromising their own values. Their approach emphasizes empathy, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping communities navigate disagreement in productive ways.

At Davidson, Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse leverages Braver Angels’ programs to support students in having thoughtful, meaningful conversations on contentious topics. By incorporating these workshops and dialogue models into campus events, DFTD can help students practice respectful disagreement, broaden their understanding of diverse viewpoints, and strengthen a culture of open inquiry across the College.