The University of Arizona hosted a groundbreaking event on October 24, 2024, where former Obama press aide Johanna Maska and former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer came together to demonstrate the power of respectful political dialogue. Moderated by Keith Allred of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, the discussion engaged over 100 attendees, emphasizing strategies like active listening, intellectual humility, and seeking common ground. This event, part of the UA Discourse Series and Freedom Center’s mission, showcased the importance of constructive conversations in fostering understanding and bridging America’s political divides.
Museum of Democracy Exhibit Launches with Lively Discussion on Civil Disagreement
The University of Arizona’s Freedom Center, in collaboration with the Museum of Democracy and the Arizona Board of Regents, debuted the exhibit *“You Say You Want a Revolution: Politics and Art in the 1960s”* with a thought-provoking event titled *“Civil Disagreement, Protest, and the American Republic.”* Featuring Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Robert George, and National Review Senior Editor Jay Nordlinger, the event explored the meaning of democracy, the importance of civil discourse, and the role of intellectual humility in bridging divides.
Attendees also enjoyed insights from Arizona Representative Matt Gress and UA President Suresh Garimella, emphasizing the exhibit’s alignment with fostering open, honest conversations about freedom and democracy. The exhibit, featuring rare political memorabilia, runs through March at the Campus Store, with related events continuing throughout the year.
Create Your Own Campaign Contest
The Freedom Center invites high school students, and middle school self starters, to participate in this fun project where you get to campaign for president and express how YOU will build a better future! Gain experience using visual storytelling to build a campaign that bridges divides and champions the power of free expression to share a better future.
Applications For MLS Program Due December 15th
The Freedom Center partners with the UArizona James E. Rogers College of Law to offer a Master of Legal Studies in Law & Economics (MLS-L&E) degree. The online program provides an enhanced understanding of the legal, political, and legislative processes and how they collectively impact individuals and society.
This program is for undergraduate students who want to pursue a postgraduate degree, high school government, economics, and social studies teachers, elected officials and public sector professionals, and private sector professionals who interact with the government or regulatory process.
Unlock Opportunities with Our Signature Programs
Explore a diverse range of programs designed to deepen your understanding, foster debate, and inspire leadership in law, economics, politics, and more.
Master of Legal Studies in Law & Economics
This online program offers an enhanced understanding of legal, political, and legislative processes. It is ideal for elected officials, high school teachers, and those working in and with the public sector.
Freedom Center Debate Series
Distinguished national and local experts with differing perspectives come together to debate timely issues, advocating for their position and exploring the possibility of finding common ground.
PPEL Undergraduate Summer School
A four-day curriculum that focuses on the practical problems of organizing and running human society. It is supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.
Partnerships with prestigious European universities reflect the Freedom Center’s influence as a premier research institution and provide summer programs in philosophy, law, economics, politics, and related disciplines.
These flagship panel events create a public space where nationally recognized leaders with expertise in industry, education, and public policy come together to address issues of societal importance.
Scholars are invited to campus to concentrate on their research and interact with UArizona faculty and students. They also present their research, deliver guest lectures and participate in manuscript workshops while in residence.
Oral History Collection
Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education as a resource for teachers, these mini-documentaries provide compelling first-person accounts of other governing philosophies compared to the United States.
Provides graduate level students with real-world public policy research experience by assisting a legislator track legislation, summarize bills, assist with constituent services, and complete special projects.
Award-winning media and thought leaders come to campus and share unique experiences and perspectives that reinforce the free press’s importance in promoting critical thinking and a healthy democracy.
Discover the Impact of Our Faculty’s Research
Our Freedom Center faculty are at the forefront of exploring crucial issues, publishing books and articles that challenge conventional thinking across disciplines. Their work in philosophy, economics, law, political science, and ethics underscores our unwavering dedication to academic freedom. By engaging with diverse perspectives, they promote critical thinking and fuel the debates that shape our society.
Explore Their Work and Join the Conversation
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