Dialogue Across Difference Event Series
Throughout the year, the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance (the Center) hosts Dialogue Across Difference, a wide array of public events with elected officials, academic thinkers, and public leaders on topics that range from health care to housing, governance theory, national security, and leadership in public affairs.
Dialogue Across Difference illustrates the Center’s purpose of bringing multiple perspectives to the fore, providing space for conversations on key issues of the day, and a chance to listen and learn from our differences. All of the Center’s public events are free and open to the University of Minnesota community, students, and the general public.
Past Dialogue Across Difference Events
Speaking Up with Pamela Paul - May 2025
Speech on campus is treacherous. It is scrutinized by universities unnerved by the risk of punishment by the federal government. Speech faces another threat – a left-oriented conformist spirit on many campuses that recognizes certain ideas and rules out others on such topics as Israel and Gaza, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” transgender issues, and more. Pamela Paul, a courageous New York Times columnist who bucks the progressive cannon from the left, visits to implore students and faculty to be advocates for debate – and provides support for those willing to take the risks of speaking up.