The Power of Us (Dominic Packer, PhD and Jay Van Bavel, PhD)

As a new school year begins, we’ve been reflecting on last year’s student protests and the heated debates about free speech that continue to take place in the public sphere. We’ve been debating these issues with each other and with our colleagues at our institutions, but wanted to talk live about it on a podcast and share it with our subscribers.

In our conversation, we discuss the complexities of handling free speech issues on college campuses, especially in light of recent protests and the actions of university leaders. We examine the consequences of various administrative decisions, such as bringing police onto campuses during protests, and explore how these decisions have exacerbated conflict.

We discuss several key points:

• The Role of Universities in Handling Free Speech:
  They explore the historical context of universities as spaces for dissent and debate and the modern challenges of managing diverse opinions while maintaining safety and inclusivity.

• Trust and Communication Strategies:
  We emphasize the importance of building trust between students and their administration, with suggestions for university leaders to engage more directly and transparently with student groups.

• Balancing Free Speech and Protecting Vulnerable Groups:
  Jay and Dominic discuss the features of different free speech models, including the Chicago model.

• Positive Examples and Alternative Approaches:
  Jay and Dominic examples of successful university responses to protests, such as building relationships through open dialogue and avoiding overreactions to student activism.

• Future Directions for University Policies:
  We end with recommendations for universities to amend their free speech policies, promote healthy discourse, and better serve their diverse communities.

Guests/speakers: Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer

Podcast producer and host: Yvonne Phan

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The second part of a special two-part series, this episode offers solutions to polarization and discussions about the importance of citizens' involvement in democracy and the need to protect it. This episode emphasizes that individuals must engage in political systems, hold elected officials accountable, and uphold civic institutions to ensure the success of democracy. 

Today’s episode features researchers Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer, co-authors of The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony. We also hear from Evan Mawarire, a Zimbabwean clergyman who founded #ThisFlag Citizen's Movement to challenge corruption, injustice and poverty in Zimbabwe. ; Dr. Hahrie Han, Professor of Political Science and the Director of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University; Uriel Epshtein, Executive Director of the Renew Democracy Initiative; and Joshua Fryday, Chief Service Officer for the State of California with California Volunteers.

This series is directed by Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer; and produced by Yvonne Phan. This podcast interview was conducted by journalist Richard Sergay and presented by podcast producer, host, and writer, Tavia Gilbert.

For more of our work such as our book, videos, and articles, visit powerofus.online!

The first of a special two-part series, this episode offers a definition of polarization and explores its causes and effects. In the coming episodes, the podcast will investigate what we can learn from the history of polarization in other countries; what antidotes to polarization has research uncovered; and why it's important to make a long-term investment in polarization research.

Today’s episode features researchers Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer, co-authors of The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony. We also hear from Alison Taylor, Executive Director at Ethical Systems, a research collaborative affiliated with NYU; Dr. Hahrie Han, Professor of Political Science and the Director of the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University; Uriel Epshtein, Executive Director of the Renew Democracy Initiative; and Joshua Fryday, Chief Service Officer for the State of California with California Volunteers.

This series is directed by Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer; and produced by Yvonne Phan. This podcast interview was conducted by journalist Richard Sergay and presented by podcast producer, host, and writer, Tavia Gilbert. 

For more of our work such as our book, videos, and articles, visit powerofus.online!