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Heterodox Academy

Western Michigan University is a member of the (HxA), which provides frameworks, data, tools, and platforms to help people understand and address the challenges facing institutions of higher learning regarding open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement. Members and other supporters of HxA--the actual agents of change--are encouraged to use these materials by acting in their communities, classrooms, institutions, and disciplines.

We Talk program videos

• Tuesday, March 1, 2022
  Hosted by the Western Student Association in collaboration with We Talk and the Â鶹ÉçDepartment of Political Science, this event brought together our campus community to discuss the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and ask questions of experts. 

• Wednesday, August 18, 2021
  Sue Ellen Christian, Western Michigan University professor of communication and Presidential Innovation Professor, moderates a panel of local media representatives on the role the media plays in civil discourse, free speech and social dynamics.

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  Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020
  Jessica Swartz, Â鶹Éçdeputy general counsel, provides a basic introduction to free speech rights and responsibilities covered by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Swartz explains the different types of speech, how the government (i.e., the University) is allowed to regulate that speech, how to exercise free speech on campus, as well as the types of speech that are not protected and why. Viewers will gain an understanding of why we must protect the free speech rights of everyone—even if every fiber in our being disagrees with what they are saying. 
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020
  In collaboration with the Western Student Association, alumni and other Â鶹Éçregistered student organizations, this student-led panel explored advocacy through WMU’s history, particularly the 1968 student sit in at the Bernhard Center related to racial inequity and unrest and the 1990 student sit in at the Seibert Administration Building related to the suspension of the Africana Studies program. How have student groups and WSA worked together to affect institutional change? Find out in this virtual panel discussion between past and current Broncos.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020
  Hosted by Â鶹Éçstaff and featuring a Â鶹Éçfaculty panel, this final event of the fall 2020 series explored why it's worth having conversations with people you disagree with and practice tips to engage in open conversations about difficult topics. 

Printable resources

First Amendment on Campus