Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus in America Post Election 2024 — Part 3

In this episode of Reclaiming Free Speech, Democracy, and Discourse on Campus: A Post-2024 Election America, Dr. J. Cody Nielsen hosts Dr. Peter Levine, Associate Dean at Tufts University and an expert on civic democracy. Just days after the 2024 U.S. presidential election, they unpack the election’s implications for higher education, civic democracy, and the role of college campuses in fostering meaningful dialogue and civic engagement. Dr. Levine provides a compelling perspective on the intersection of education and democracy, while discussing actionable strategies to address polarization and improve civic education.
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Key Takeaways

• Shifts in Youth Engagement: While youth voter turnout has improved, today’s students are more critical of social media’s role in public discourse and democracy.
• The Role of Higher Education: Colleges are pivotal in teaching nonviolence, civic history, and bridging ideological divides while navigating heightened polarization.
• Practical Civic Education: Institutions must focus on actionable outcomes, like developing research-based initiatives on civic issues rather than performative statements.
• Opportunities Amid Challenges: Despite political instability, fostering consensus in civic education and equipping students with tools for nonviolent activism is essential.
• Resilience and Positionality: Faculty and administrators, especially those with privilege, must stand up for civic democracy and support those most vulnerable to harm.

How Has Civic Democracy Evolved in Higher Education?
Dr. Levine traces the trajectory of civic democracy on campuses since the 1980s, when declining civic engagement was the primary concern. Over the decades, institutions created programs to encourage volunteering and voting. Today, student engagement has improved, but challenges like hyper-partisanship and misinformation demand a new focus. Dr. Levine emphasizes the academic component of civic engagement, advocating for curriculum-driven approaches to understanding polarization and political instability.
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What Role Do Colleges Play in Civic Renewal?
Colleges have shifted their approach to civic democracy. Dr. Levine argues for a dual focus on experiential learning and academic rigor. By teaching students the historical roots of democracy and the strategies behind nonviolent activism, institutions can empower students to engage critically with the world. He also highlights the importance of equipping students with tools to navigate political instability, a reality given the nation’s polarized climate.
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What’s Next for Campuses in a Post-2024 America?
The 2024 election results underscore deep ideological divisions that will likely manifest on campuses. Dr. Levine predicts a variety of responses, from mobilization to potential conflicts, depending on a campus's political makeup. He advises administrators to avoid performative neutrality while actively contributing to meaningful civic outcomes. For instance, rather than issuing generic statements, institutions can invest in programs addressing key issues like climate change or racial justice.
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How Can Civic Education Bridge Divides?
Dr. Levine’s work with the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap demonstrates the potential to find common ground in civic education. By fostering consensus among ideologically diverse stakeholders, this initiative has advanced a more balanced curriculum. He stresses that bridging ideological divides requires patience and strategic dialogue, noting that collaboration with "responsible conservatives" has yielded significant progress.
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Advice for Higher Ed Professionals: Responding to Political Tensions</