Civil discourse is “robust, honest, frank and constructive dialogue and deliberation that seeks to advance the public interest” (Brosseau, 2011). It is an exchange of ideas that simultaneously:

Holds individuals accountable for their voice (how we talk);
Remains curious about other people’s perspectives (how we hear),
Respects multiple realities (how we honor personhood).

Civil discourse is not polite conversation, but, rather, intentional dialogue that builds understanding across difference. As Margaret Wheatley states, “We don’t have to let go of what we believe, but we do need to be curious about what someone else believes” (2009).

As a gift from Shelley E. Padnos and Carol Sarosik, the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies will promote engagement with the concepts and tools of civil discourse. Through the initiatives of this program, Grand Valley hopes to strengthen the commitment to informed, peace-based, and respectful dialogue across the campus community and the neighboring areas of West Michigan.

Campus Conversation Series

Networked surveillance cameras like Flock Safety cameras are making lines between safety and surveillance increasingly complex. Where does our university fit into this shifting landscape? How do local campus security choices reflect national questions of privacy, data control, and civil liberties. Join us for a conversation about the ethical dynamics of automated tracking. Co-sponsored by the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and Political Science Department Facilitated by Dan Cope, Civil Discourse Faculty Fellow and Mark Richards, Professor of Political Science November 17, 2026 1:00PM-2:15PM Kirkhof Center Room 2263

November 17 (1:00-2:15) - KC 2263

Co-sponsored by Political Science Department

Facilitated by Professor Mark Richards, Political Science and Dan Cope, Civil Discourse Faculty Fellow

INT 100/201 Approved

This is a campus community event; not open to the public.

Networked surveillance cameras like Flock Safety cameras are quietly reshaping how movement is tracked across the country. As these cameras spread across municipal roads and university campuses nationwide, the line between safety and surveillance is becoming increasingly complex. Where does our university fit into this shifting landscape? How do our local campus security choices reflect national questions of privacy, data control, and civil liberties? Who has access to the data collected? Under what standards may law enforcement search collected data?

Join students, staff, and faculty for a multi-perspective campus conversation on the ethical dynamics of automated tracking.

The Campus Conversation series offers a space for students, staff, and faculty to gather and collectively reflect on how current issues impact the campus community. Hosted by the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, the goal of this non-partisan conversation series is to increase awareness, understanding, and mutual support on campus. Conversation can strengthen community.

Event Registration