Join us for Democracy Day on November 7

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University community: 

Following the work of the Commission on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression, I am pleased to invite you to CMU’s inaugural Democracy Day on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Democracy Day is an opportunity to underscore the CMU community’s focus on institutional commitment to civic service and democracy on Election Day. One of the greatest ways to observe Democracy Day is by exercising your right to vote, so please make sure you take time on this day to do so if you are able.

Democracy Day - November 7, 2023

Can We Talk? Conversations in a Polarized Society

This year’s Democracy Day theme, “Can We Talk? Conversations in a Polarized Society,” focuses on the difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable, discussions that can happen in the classroom and in our lives, particularly surrounding elections. The day’s programming will focus on ways we can be respectful, intentional and constructive when engaging in meaningful discourse.

Freedom of expression can take many forms. Whether through expressing your ideas in live performance, articulating and discussing your perspective on social media or listening to experts to deepen your understanding on important issues — freedom of expression is grounded in our values of inclusivity and respect.

There are no classes on Democracy Day prior to 5 p.m., and the entire CMU community is invited to participate as their schedules allow. Supervisors should exercise reasonable flexibility for staff voting and/or volunteering at the polls as well as attending on-campus programming. I encourage you to spend a portion of the day participating in the election process in whatever way you feel most comfortable. 

Learn how students are actively advocating for U.S. policy changes, spend some time thinking about trending election topics, and explore ways to be civically engaged in our local community. The rain location is Rangos Ballroom. Registration is not required.

In his keynote address, Danny Oppenheimer, professor of social and decision sciences in the Dietrich College, will explore the paradoxes of democracy and how democracies interact with human psychology to create stronger and more effective societies. Registration is not required.

Join a discussion and Q&A session with Zeve Sanderson, executive director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics, where we will explore the interplay between digital discourse and democratic processes on the cusp of elections. This session will focus on the complexities of online information dissemination, the challenges in digital spaces and the innovative methods to safeguard information integrity. Registration is not required. 

This visceral production from Belfast’s trailblazing political theater company, Kabosh Theatre, fuses film and live theatre to create a memorable production that will stay with you long after leaving the theatre. Registration is not required. 

Brittany Broski took the internet by storm with her wit, charm and of course, distaste for kombucha. Brittany will discuss her rise to fame, the influence of social media and how being your authentic self can change your world. This event is co-sponsored by the Activities Board and the University Lecture Series. Tickets are free and will be available starting at noon on Oct. 31 through the Activities Board Instagram Page. Registration is required.

I want to thank Wanda Heading-Grant, vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, and Richard Scheines, dean of the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, for their leadership in organizing this event, as well as members of the planning committee. Together, they are developing and implementing activities for education and training, including this event, to engage our community on the critical issue of civic engagement.

I hope to see you on November 7 for a day of discussion, learning and engagement.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer