Past Events
Democracy, the Constitution, and the Rule of Law with Judge J. Michael Luttig
Adam Harris, J. Michael Luttig
Judge J. Michael Luttig, one of the most celebrated legal minds of his generation, is joined by The Atlantic’s Adam Harris for a conversation about the politicization of the rule of law, the importance of institutions, and the future of American democracy.
A Global Imperative: Free Press, Free Flow of Ideas
Michael Abramowitz, Susan B. Glasser, Amna Nawaz, Michael Powell
Vibrant societies and healthy democracies rely on the free flow of ideas, but ensuring a free press is a constant struggle. For this session, a panel of journalists and experts explores the state of freedom of the press in the United States and around the world—and what it means for the future of democracy.
Satire as Political Changemaker
Barbara Brandon-Croft, Laurent Dubois, Jeffrey Koterba, Pedro Xavier Molina, Rayma Suprani
A panel of esteemed editorial cartoonists discusses how accessible—and often humorous—illustrations can be used to comment on culture, corruption, censorship, and democratic norms.
Covering the White House
Peter Baker, Laura Barrón-López, Elaina Plott Calabro, Mike Emanuel, Judy Woodruff
This panel of esteemed journalists—moderated by PBS News’ Judy Woodruff—offers its insights on what it takes to report on the innerworkings of the White House, especially in times of crisis.
Stories of America: Democracy, Identity, and Culture
Melody Barnes, Daniel Darling, Conor Friedersdorf, Cecilia Muñoz, Annise Parker
What does it mean to be an American? In this time of deep polarization, is it possible for all sides to embrace a shared national identity?
Education and Democracy: UVA Equity Center’s Starr Hill Pathways
Panelists discuss how universities as anchor institutions can effectively support access to educational resources for underrepresented local youth in the Charlottesville-Albemarle region of Virginia.
Student Showcase: Participating in Democracy
How do students learn about and engage with key ideas and practices of democracy? Students offer their answers through the lenses of different fields and areas of study—music, history, writing, urban and environmental planning, law, and environmental sciences.
Public Media and Democracy
Margaret Low, Evan Smith, Lauren Williams, Kimi Yoshino
A panel of media veterans explores innovative news models, the role public media plays in sustaining an engaged democratic culture, and the future of journalism in America.
President’s Council on UVA-Community Partnerships: Anchor Institutions as Civic Participants
Ben Allen, Harold Folley, Pace Lochte, Cristine Nardi, James E. Ryan, Ridge Schuyler
Panelists discuss how the University of Virginia has worked collaboratively to address key challenges to civic participation, including housing, workforce development, educational opportunities, and access to health care.
Democracy and Demography: Changing Racial Makeup
Qian Cai, Nichole M. Flores, Hamilton Lombard, Meghan Murray
In the United States, an aging population that is predominantly white and an increasingly diverse youth population have fueled a sense of anxiety, insecurity, or even fear about who is the majority, who has the power, and whose democracy it will be.