In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, college campuses are once again under the spotlight—navigating turmoil, political tension, freedom of speech, and the demand for open yet safe civic spaces. This Navigating Uncertainty coalition conversation explores how campuses are responding in real time: balancing free expression and equity, protecting student safety, and activating dialogue that moves beyond division. Join us to engage with faculty, staff, and students who are meeting this moment and doubling down on civic engagement in a time of challenge and change.

Speakers/Break-out Facilitators: 

• Opening speaker
  • Caroline Mehl, MA, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Constructive Dialogue Institute
    • See Caroline’s co-written opinion piece from the Chronicle of Higher Education
  Bridging and discourse programs
  • Jake Fay, Ed.D Director of Programs, Constructive Dialogue Institute
• Civic expression and student/community safety 
  • Tess Barker, JD, PhD Executive Director, Association for Student Conduct Administration
  • Léna Crain, Ph.D., Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Baldwin Wallace University 
• Nonpartisan voter engagement events and activities, particularly in advance of National Voter Education Week (October 6-10)
  • Clarissa Unger, MPA, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Students Learn Students Vote Coalition (SLSV)
• Academic freedom topics such as the rights and responsibilities for extramural speech for faculty and staff, surveillance, and being targeted through social media
  • Kristen Shahverdian, MA, MFA, Program Director of Campus Free Speech at PEN America