Educating for a Democracy in Question
How can colleges and universities educate students across disciplines to tackle longstanding and escalating threats to democracy’s health and future?
Initiative
Institute for Democracy & Higher Education
What is higher education’s responsibility to a democracy in question?
Variously described as “backsliding,” “declining,” “at risk,” and “fragile,” US democracy is a democracy in question. The threats to democracy are acute and growing. Yet, this moment in history is an opportunity to advance student learning for, and institutional commitment to, a more aspirational, redesigned democracy that is inclusive, equitable, participatory, compassionate, and just.
The Institute for Democracy and Higher Education (IDHE) provides colleges and universities with the resources and support they need to prepare students to confront the threats to democracy and to engage in the process of reinventing it.
About IDHE
IDHE is a nonpartisan applied research and resource center that studies and works to improve student learning for, and institutional commitment to, US democracy. IDHE’s work is aspirational; we’re committed to a democracy that works—and works for everyone. We view colleges and universities as essential to democracy’s health and future.
Focus Areas
Elections as Teachable Moments
How can campuses shift from viewing elections as “events” to viewing them as opportunities for sustainable change?
Politics 365
What’s “in the water” at highly politically engaged campuses, especially those that have closed equity gaps in participation?
Redesigning Democracy
What are the attributes of the “democracy we need?”
Speech, Inclusion, and Academic Freedom
Is academic freedom a right or a responsibility? What is the educational approach to balancing speech and inclusion?
Talking Politics
How can educators be ready to talk about politically charged topics in and beyond the classroom?
Bring IDHE to Your Campus
Whether virtually or in person, IDHE can visit your campus to lead a workshop on facilitating politically charged discussions, join a classroom or coalition discussion of ideas for change, or help assess your campus climate for political learning and participation. Contact us at [email protected] and let us know how we can help.