News

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

Melody Barnes on the Aaron Harper show
News | December 22, 2023
December 22, 2023

The Aaron Harber Show: Melody Barnes

Aaron Harber talks about leadership and politics with UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy Executive Director Melody Barnes.

www.pbs.org

Covering the White House event at Democracy360
News | December 21, 2023
December 21, 2023

2023 Highlights

In 2023, UVA's Karsh Institute of Democracy focused on defending against threats to democracy while simultaneously studying and invigorating its institutions, practices, and cultural underpinnings.

One Small Step logo
News | December 20, 2023
December 20, 2023

One Small Step Aims To Bring Americans Together

The Karsh Institute's One Small Step projects has brought together more than 500 students, faculty members, and area residents with varied backgrounds and perspectives for one-on-one conversations that foster connection.

www.wvtf.org

Younkin at the summit
News | November 29, 2023
November 29, 2023

Leaders Meet at UVA To Discuss Free Speech on Campuses

The heads of Virginia’s colleges and universities, as well as Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes, gathered as part of a statewide summit to foster free expression.

news.virginia.edu

A graphic design of an American flag, and I Voted button, the top of the capital
News | November 29, 2023
November 29, 2023

Course Encourages Students To Incorporate Service into Life

“I’m naturally one who tries to build consensus,” said Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes. “In trying to move something forward, I recognize that you have to give up some things to gain some things. Being either an advocate or a negotiator is a false choice.”

news.virginia.edu

Bird being rehabilitated
News | November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023

The Most Common Ways that Humans Harm Wild Animals

Tara K. Miller from the Repair Lab at the Karsh Institute of Democracy writes about the most common human threats to wildlife, and methods to reduce harm.

theconversation.com

Photo of coal dust
News | November 11, 2023
November 11, 2023

A Pastor's Plea To Combat Coal Dust in Newport News and Norfolk

"[Coal dust] rides in on the trains that pass by daily, settling on our church grounds, our homes, and even the playgrounds where our kids should play without worry," writes Karsh Institute's practitioner-in-residence Lathaniel Kirts in the Virginian-Pilot.

www.pilotonline.com