Introducing the Institute of American Civics’ Flagship Lecture Series on Civil Leadership
Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr., in a 1988 lecture on leadership delivered to his former colleagues in the Senate, introduced the “Baker’s Dozen.”
He described them as a set of rules that helped guide his own service and leadership and—he hoped—may be helpful to others.
Rule 13 was this: “Be civil and encourage others to do likewise.”
With this spirit in mind, the Institute of American Civics, housed in the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, is launching its flagship lecture series on civic leadership, an opportunity to facilitate respectful conversations about polarizing ideas in our society.
These conversations are not just explorations of important topics; they are an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of respectful debate that is essential for the health of our democracy. By encouraging constructive dialogue on contentious topics, we empower our students and fellow citizens to think deeply and critically about topical issues while fostering a culture of civic engagement.
This series will bring to campus experts from across the country to deliberate a variety of topics important to civic life—from the pursuit of the American Dream to the polarization of our political system.
By championing civil discourse and encouraging civic engagement, the Civic Leadership Lecture Series is not just addressing the symptoms of political polarization but actively working towards healing the underlying divisions in our society. As we look forward to the discussions and debates that will emerge from this series, let us all commit to the ideals of respect, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. For in these values lies the path to a more engaged, informed, and united civic life.
Upcoming Civil Leadership Lecture Series events:
- “The Truth-Seeking Mission of the University,” supported in part with the Office of the Provost, challenges us to reconsider the role of universities as places of free and open discussion, essential for the pursuit of truth in a democratic society.
Thursday, February 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Toyota Auditorium
- “Is the American Dream Dying?” presents a debate on whether shifts in political focus on both sides of the aisle may be contributing to declining upward mobility, questioning the very foundation of the American Dream.
Thursday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the Toyota Auditorium
- “The Myth of Left and Right: How the Political Spectrum Misleads and Harms America” explores the idea that what often binds individuals to their political affiliations is not a consistent set of principles but rather tribal loyalty.