Civil discourse needs to be at the core of higher learning in a healthy democracy, and currently, America’s democracy is not healthy. Polarization and conflict are common narratives across the political, social, and economic landscape—and college campuses are at the center of culture wars. The plenary, sponsored by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, will explore how higher education can and must meet the moment by implementing and scaling civil discourse and bridge-building activities. Presenters and discussants will explore why this work is necessary, what barriers higher education faces, and what conditions are necessary to create a culture on campus that fosters free expression and collective action.