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.

Leopoldo López Freedom and Democracy Award

Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng, recipient of the inaugural Leopoldo López Freedom and Democracy Award, joined López in conversation about personal sacrifice for the public good.

Watch the Presentation More About the Award

Student Award Opportunities

CSAD has two opportunities for students to receive awards and prizes this semester. Learn more about the Leopoldo López Student Award and the George Gund Prize.

George Gund Award Leopoldo López Student Award

A Virtual Hill to Hill Panel Series

Kenyon grads working in politics, journalism, education and foreign service came together to explore a central question, "Is the American Experiment Still Viable?" Watch a two-minute recap of the series or follow the link below to learn more.

More about Hill to Hill

Working in Congress Alumni Panel

Get practical advice from Marie Baldassarre '17, Andrew Neely '13, and Alex Piper '16 on starting a career in congress. The panel discusses how to get your foot in the door, what it's like as a staffer for a committee or member, and how a Kenyon education prepares you for work in the halls of Congress. This event was held on January 21, 2021.

Event Recording

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
740-427-5423
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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Related Areas of Study

Why Does Georgia Vote Again? Understanding Senate Runoffs

“The fate of the Senate hangs in the balance in the Georgia runoffs. Despite the best efforts of super PACs and big name endorsements, only time will tell whether either party will be able to replicate the excitement and turnout from the presidential election.”

Max Ohnesorge ’21, Rose Fisher ’22 and James Henderson ’23 Kenyon CSAD Student Associates
Read analysis of these closely watched races