Day of Dialogue

The Value and Limits of Free Speech in Public Life

People marching for free speech with the words 'Let's Talk' and images of the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Virginia Tech's Principles of Community.

Wednesday, November 15th, 2025
Sessions at: 10 am and 1 pm
Newman Library 207A
★ All are welcome ★

The U.S. Constitution supports freedom of speech. But what does that mean to you?

Our VT Principles of Community affirm our right to express our thoughts and opinions freely while rejecting all forms of prejudice and discrimination. When does speech constitute prejudice and discrimination?

Should there be limits to what we are allowed to say? Where is the line? Who gets to decide?

The Day of Dialogue workshops provide opportunities to explore these questions, building on our own experiences, in a nonjudgemental setting. Participants will engage via a series of exercises and facilitated conversations. Join us!

 

This event is co-organized by an informal group at Virginia Tech that is committed to fostering civil discourse:

  • Carmen Gitre, Associate Professor of History
  • Saul Halfon, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Science, Technology, and Society
  • Patricia (Patty) Raun, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Theatre Arts Founding Director of the Center for Communicating Science
  • Todd Schenk,  Associate Professor and Chair of the Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning Program and Founding Director of the Science, Technology & Engineering in Policy Program
  • Henry Yampolsky, Assistant Director for Education, Outreach, and Conflict Resolution, Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education