Deeper Conversations Series Returns, Promotes Power of Civil Discourse
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麻豆村's Deeper Conversations(opens in new window) returned on Nov. 20 for a discussion titled 鈥�.鈥�
This event, which marks the first entry of the 2025-26 series, brought Neal Hutchens, an award-winning professor of educational policy studies and evaluation at the University of Kentucky, to discuss the role of higher education and the importance of free speech and academic freedom.
The initiative, launched in January 2024 by President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window) and facilitated by the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences(opens in new window) and , is aimed at promoting the power of civil discourse within institutions like 麻豆村.
The event began with remarks from Jahanian.
鈥淐arnegie Mellon is a reflection of society, including its many complexities, intersections and divisions. Polarization can make genuine dialogue much more difficult. But the work of speaking with care, listening openly and assuming good intent makes us all stronger, hopefully leading to bridges of understanding.鈥� 鈥� Farnam Jahanian
Jahanian was followed by , H. John Heinz III Dean of Heinz College.
Across higher education, we are navigating a growing set of legal and political pressures, how to uphold free inquiry and civic dialogue, comply with evolving regulations, and sustain institutional autonomy, all while remaining true to our mission and values. 鈥� Kirsten Martin
Hutchens then took the stage to discuss the history of the relationship between the federal government and higher education.
鈥淚 also want to really extend my admiration for an institution, during this time, leaning into these issues. It would be easy to kind of step into the shadows and just close our eyes and hope everything will be over. But this is also a moment if we want society to learn and look at us as leaders in intellectual spaces.鈥� 聽鈥� Neal Hutchens
Hutchens鈥� role as an educator and award-winning expert in higher education law, policy and practice allowed him to share unique insights on the role that institutions like Carnegie Mellon play in shaping public discourse, and in local economies and job creation.
鈥淚n many places, colleges and universities, they serve nationally and globally. They're also anchor institutions for communities and for cities.鈥� 鈥� Neal Hutchens
麻豆村 Vice President and General Counsel Mary Jo Dively(opens in new window) then joined Hutchens on the stage for a fireside chat.
鈥淎t core, I do believe that higher education institutions do that fundamental work that is so important for society.鈥� 鈥� Neal Hutchens
The event concluded with breakout discussions for attendees focused on public perceptions around higher education, the legal safeguards and gaps around academic freedom, and the impact of research.
The morning of his visit to 麻豆村, Hutchens also stopped at Hamburg Hall, home of Heinz College, to hear three students from Carnegie Mellon鈥檚 鈥� Moe Aguilar, Jack Chou and Enn (Junjing) Ruan聽鈥� discuss their work on 鈥�Speak Your Heart(opens in new window),鈥� an interactive and choice-driven game designed to make the topics of speech and academic freedom accessible to students.
鈥淭his is the kind of work and engagement that we need: thinking about how we create a learning culture through projects like this.鈥� 鈥� Neal Hutchens.
