Kenyon always has prided itself on a dedication to exploring the issues of the day, no matter how controversial, through deliberative inquiry and civil, probing conversation. Drawing on this tradition, the Center for the Study of American Democracy seeks open dialogue toward a subtle understanding of history, timeless questions and fundamental principles.

Located in O'Connor House, the center organizes conferences, lectures and seminars with the goal of stimulating nonpartisan civic and political discourse. The center also provides teaching and research opportunities for faculty and students and promotes student internships in Washington, D.C. Established in 2007, the center was funded through a “We the People” Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A Virtual Hill to Hill:  Is the American Experiment Still Viable?

A global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and widespread social and racial unrest have combined with deep partisan polarization and government dysfunction to raise substantial doubts about the viability of the American experiment. 

The Center for the Study of American Democracy, in conjunction with the Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement, explores this issue in six panel discussions, drawing upon Kenyon’s deep reservoir of alumni, parents, faculty and friends.

More about Hill to Hill

Panel Discussions

Click each title to watch the recorded event or register for an upcoming panel.

Sparking Conversation

CSAD's biennial conferences bring the Kenyon community together with national experts to analyze the pressing issues of today—no matter how controversial—through nonpartisan and civil discourse.

Howard Dean, political commentator and former chair of the Democratic National Committee,  discusses the issues of free speech and civil discourse at a CSAD conference. 
Former diplomat Nicholas Burns takes questions from the audience in the CSAD conference “Should America Promote Democracy Abroad?”
President of the Center for American Progress Neera Tanden answers the question “Rising Inequality: Where Do We Go from Here?” during her George L. Ohrstrom Jr. Lecture on Democracy. 
Students meet with General Michael Hayden, former director of the National Security Agency, during CSAD's “Hill to Hill” event in Washington, D.C.
President of the American Action Forum and former director of the Congressional Budget Office Douglas Holtz-Eakinis shares insights at CSAD's conference on the politics of inequality.
CSAD's biennial conferences give students the opportunity to pose questions to leading experts about pressing local, national and global issues.  

Center for Study of American Democracy (CSAD)

Contact
Phone Number
740-427-5993
Email Address
democracy@kenyon.edu
Location
Center for the Study of American Democracy 
O'Connor House 
Kenyon College
Gambier, Ohio 43022
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