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Students working on computers
News | August 15, 2025
August 15, 2025

A Civic Moonshot: College Is Still Our Best Path Forward

Executive Director Melody Barnes and board member John Bridgeland co-wrote an op-ed asserting that despite rising skepticism, college remains the best path to economic mobility and civic renewal. Barnes and Bridgeland are former directors of the White House Domestic Policy Council under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, respectively.

richmond.com

Democracy360 Registration Press Release Header

June 30, 2025

Tickets Now Available for First Slate of Democracy360 Programming

The Karsh Institute of Democracy’s signature biennial gathering returns to Charlottesville this October.

Brazil's flag
News | June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025

Brazil Supreme Court Rules Digital Platforms Are Liable for Users' Posts

The landmark decision "introduces a more responsive system, especially for cases involving hate speech, racism, and incitement to violence — which are not protected by Brazil’s free speech laws,” said David Nemer, a professor of media studies and faculty co-lead of the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab.

www.ft.com

Construction workers guiding a beam being craned onto the top of a building
News | June 23, 2025
June 23, 2025

Crews Put the Top on the Home of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy

“Topping out this building marks more than a construction milestone,” said Karsh Institute's Executive Director Melody Barnes. “It represents a symbolic step toward realizing our vision for a dynamic home where the work of democracy comes to life through scholarship, teaching, engagement, and collaboration.”

news.virginia.edu

Photo of feet making the letter V in the word "vote"
News | June 6, 2025
June 6, 2025

Ranked Choice Voting With Sally Hudson

Advocates of ranked choice voting say it makes our elections better by allowing voters to cast ballots for candidates in order of preference. Others say it’s too confusing. Karsh Institute Practitioner Fellow Sally Hudson explains this new way of voting that’s been slowly spreading across the country.

www.withgoodreasonradio.org