aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

2024 Ralph Munro Institute Fall Seminar: Sustaining Democracy in Polarized Times

October 28-30

WWU students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend take part in the 2024 Ralph Munro Institute on Civic Education, focused on the challenges of sustaining democracy in these polarized times.

Monday Oct. 28: “Political Violence, Polarization and Prospects for Democracy in the US and Abroad”

Where: Wilson Library

5 p.m. with reception to follow.

“Political Violence, Polarization and Prospects for Democracy in the US and Abroad” includes a Keynote Conversation between Cornell University Professor Kenneth Roberts and Nathan Kalmoe, Director of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Communication and Civic Renewal moderated by WWU Political Science Professor Shirin Deylami.  

Tuesday Oct. 29: Two panels on Sustaining Democracy in Practice

Where: Wilson Library

2-3:30 p.m. Cutting through the Noise, in which Western faculty and community leaders discuss democractic action, democratic knowledge and civil discourse

4–5:30 p.m. Securing our Ballots, Securing our Votes, which brings together state and county officials with leaders in election-protection technology to discuss election integrity, vote access and the challenges to ensuring elections are safe, secure and transparent

Food and refreshments provided.

Wednesday Oct. 30: Munro at the Movies, Lynden

Where: Arntzen 100

5 - 7:30 p.m. Join the Munro Institute and the Woodring College's Center for Education, Equity & Diversity to watch Lynden, a film about race, community and democratic action in small town just up the road; stay to discuss the film with Director Bryan Tucker.

Popcorn and other refreshments provided.

For information about disability accommodations, including parking for those with limited mobility, please email munroseminar@wwu.edu