WKU News

The WKU Center for Citizenship & Social Justice will host a Deliberative Dialogue on Safety & Justice in partnership with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, utilizing the WKU Chief Diversity Officer's T.R.U.T.H. Talk Series (True Racial Understanding Through Honest Talks), which was designed to keep the campus community talking about issues of race, diversity, equity and inclusion.

"Deliberative dialogue," created by National Issues Forums, refers to a face-to-face method of communication where a small, diverse group of individuals exchange ideas and opinions in search of the best solution to a problem. This democratic style of dialogue and deliberation help build civic capacities by teaching participants how to come together and have productive discussions (not debates) about the most complex and often divisive social issues we encounter today. It prepares participants to seek common ground and a deeper understanding of an issue in order to help build consensus on how solutions are reached when solving public problems.

Regarding safety in our communities, many Americans are concerned with increasing violence in communities that is undermining the national ideals of safety and justice for all. How should we ensure that Americans of all backgrounds are treated with respect and fairness? What should we do to ensure that the police have the support they need to fairly enforce the law? To what degree do racial and other forms of bias distort the justice system? What should we do as citizens to help reduce violence of all kinds in our communities and the nation as a whole? How should communities increase safety while at the same time ensuring justice? Using the deliberative dialogue model, participants will explore these critical questions together.

WKU CCSJ will host two deliberative dialogue opportunities: a moderator training for students set for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 6) in the Mahurin Honors College-International Center’s multi-purpose room and the actual deliberative dialogue on safety and justice for the campus and broader community set for 4-6 p.m. Feb. 20 in Downing Student Union, room 3004. Students trained as moderators on Feb. 6 will moderate the deliberative dialogue on safety and justice set for Feb. 20. The deliberative dialogue is free and open to the public, and registration is required. Refreshments will be provided.

To register for the Deliberative Dialogue on Safety & Justice on Feb. 20, visit https://www.wku.edu/ccsj/programs/deliberative-dialogue.php 

If you are interested in serving as a moderator, contact Leah Ashwill at leah.ashwill@wku.edu. 

Contact: Leah Ashwill, leah.ashwill@wku.edu or (270) 745-3217