Democracy Day - November 7, 2023
Can We Talk? Conversations in a Polarized Society
Join us for CMU’s inaugural Democracy Day, an opportunity to focus on our institutional commitment to civic service and democracy on Election Day. There will be programming and resources available throughout the day for our entire community to engage on the key ideals of democracy.
There are no classes on Democracy Day prior to 5 p.m. and the entire CMU community —faculty, staff and students — is encouraged to participate as their schedules allow.
This year’s theme, “Can We Talk? Conversations in a Polarized Society,” focuses on the difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable, discussions that can happen in the classroom and in our lives, particularly surrounding elections. The day’s programming will focus on ways we can be respectful, intentional and constructive when engaging in civil discourse.
Resources
Keynote Address with Danny Oppenheimer
Psychology of Democracy: How Democracies Turn Bad Choices by Irrational Voters into Positive Outcomes for Citizens
Schedule of Events
Throughout the day, all members of our community are invited to participate in programming and discussions on civic service and democracy. Supervisors are encouraged to exercise reasonable flexibility for staff voting and/or volunteering at the polls as well as attending on-campus programming. You are encouraged to spend a portion of the day participating in the election process in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
Democracy Day Fair from 12:30 - 1:45 p.m. in Rangos 3
Join Graduate Student Assembly, the Undergraduate Student Senate and other student organizations for activities and information sharing. Learn about the ways students are actively advocating for U.S. policy changes, spend some time thinking about trending election topics, and explore ways to be civically engaged in our local community. Rain location is in Rangos Ballroom. Registration is not required.
Keynote Address from 2 - 3 p.m. in McConomy Auditorium
Psychology of Democracy: How Democracies Turn Bad Choices by Irrational Voters into Positive Outcomes for Citizens
Have you ever wondered how a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" can still function when "the people" are so obviously incompetent? We live in a world where many voters can't find the United States on a map and where emotion seems to drive electoral outcomes more than reasoned debate. In that environment, it is easy to develop a belief that our democracy is hopeless. And yet the citizens of democracies are healthier, wealthier, safer, freer, and more educated than citizens of other countries. How can the outcomes of democracies be so good when the inputs are so bad? In this talk, Professor Danny Oppenheimer will explore both sides of this paradox of democracy - the frightening ignorance and irrationality of the voters, and the reassuring evidence that despite that, democracies interact with human psychology to create stronger and more effective societies. The first 25 attendees will receive CMU swag. Registration is not required.
"Tech at a Turning Point?" with Zeve Sandersen from 3:15 - 4 p.m. in Peter, McKenna, Wright
Join a discussion and Q&A session with Zeve Sanderson, executive director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics, where we will explore the interplay between digital discourse and democratic processes on the cusp of elections. This interactive session will focus on the complexities of online information dissemination, the challenges in digital spaces and the innovative methods to safeguard information integrity. Drawing from his rich academic insights and practical experiences with international NGOs, Sanderson will engage attendees in a vital conversation about the current digital political landscape and the pivotal role of social media in shaping modern-day democracy. The first 25 attendees will receive CMU swag. Registration is not required.
Kabosh Theatre presents “Green and Blue” from 4 - 5:15 p.m. in Studio Theatre
“Green and Blue” is a play that explores the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the Irish conflict. Based on an oral archive of serving RUC and An Garda Síochána officers, this new production fuses theater and film to look at the person behind the uniform and the different experiences of two individuals on either side of a line in the ground. “Green and Blue” premieres as part of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival before touring Ireland. Registration is not required.
The CMU Activities Board Presents: A Conversation with Brittany Broski at 7:30 p.m. in McConomy Auditorium
Brittany Broski took the internet by storm with her wit, charm, and of course, distaste for kombucha. Brittany will discuss her rise to fame, the influence of social media and how being your authentical self can change your world. This event is co-sponsored by the Activities Board and the University Lecture Series. Tickets are free and will be available starting at 12 p.m. on Oct. 31 through the Activities Board Instagram Page.
University Libraries Banned Book Archive
Launched during Banned Books Week, this virtual book display draws national attention to the harms of censorship and its infringement on the constitutional right to free speech. All print materials are available for check-out and electronic resources may be viewed online.
Planning Committee
Wanda Heading-Grant
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Holly Hippensteel
Associate Vice President for Community Standards & Diversity Initiatives
Professor of Art, Studio for Creative Inquiry
Richard Scheines
Dean of the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Patience Whitworth
Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives
Senior Project Manager, Office of the Provost