Virginia Military Institute has been designated as one of only ten colleges in the nation to be named a “Community of Practice” from Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting civil discourse, in their College Debates and Discourse Program, through a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.

In an era when civility is not often the norm in resolving disputes, Braver Angels’ trained experts teach students to express their views, frame persuasive arguments, listen deeply, and engage respectfully with each other around issues that are typically difficult and divisive. Their debates are not competitive, but a collective exercise in thoughtfulness, respect, and a search for the truth. They are conducted in a light parliamentary style and guided by a trained chairperson. Each debate centers around a resolution which is chosen in advance. Each speaker has up to four minutes to present their argument, then answer questions from audience participants who address their questions to the chair. At the end of the debate, there is a short debriefing session. Learn more in a news article from January 2023 - VMI Promotes Civil Discourse Through Debate Program.

Upcoming Event:

Does a commitment to civility take care of diversity and inclusion issues?

Sept. 25, 2023 — Hall of Valor, CLE, Marshall Hall — 7 - 9 p.m.

Open to the VMI community – cadets, staff, faculty and alumni ONLY, not to the general public.

For more information, contact Col. Valentina Fimitrova-Grajzl at grajzlvp@vmi.edu

Past Events

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Program Insights Discussion: