Where meaningful dialogue flourishes
Today’s political tensions call upon scholarly communities to engage in thoughtful and rich conversation, inviting us to speak, listen and explore the variety of perspectives that inform our civic life. Boise State is committed to encouraging intellectual engagement and meaningful dialogue. The Dialogue for Democracy Series is a university-wide initiative that continues our commitment to supporting open inquiry and the freedom of expression, and to celebrating the plurality of ideas.
Election Event Schedule
During the Fall 2024 semester, Boise State University is launching Dialogue for Democracy, an initiative to promote civic engagement among members of the campus community, who hold a diverse set of political opinions and values. At the core of the initiative, is an effort to create an open, welcoming, and central place for members of the campus community and beyond, to explore a host of events and programs geared toward examining the choices facing voters in the November election.
Fall 2024 Events
Week of August 26
Braver Angel Trainings
These workshops, open to the campus community, seek to help participants learn to disagree better in polarized times by:
- Gaining more understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from you politically
- Bolster skills for listening in a way so that the other person feels heard
- Bolster skills for sharing viewpoints in a way the other person might hear even if they disagree
- All workshops run by Braver Angeles Volunteers
- Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes to the Disagree Better workshops
Disagree Better Workshop, Tuesday, August 27
10:30-11:45 a.m. Student Union Hatch Ballroom A/B
Disagree Better Workshop, Tuesday, August 27
Noon-1:15 p.m. Student Union Hatch AB
Disagree Better Workshop, Wednesday, August 28
10:30-11:45 a.m. Student Union Hatch AB
Disagree Better Workshop, Wednesday, August 28
Noon-1:15 p.m. Student Union Hatch AB
Red/Blue Workshop, Friday, August 30
Noon-3 p.m. Student Union Farnsworth (Breakout Cataldo)
Student Organization Involvement Fair, August 28
2-5 p.m. on The Quad
This annual event is organized by Student Involvement for students.
Week of September 2
Fellows Quad Tabling, September 3
10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center
IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.
Fellows Quad Tabling, September 4
10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center
IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.
Week of September 9
Fellows Quad Tabling, September 10
10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center
IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.
Presidential Debate Watch Party, September 10
Time TBD, Student Union Dining Room
A debate watch party for the campus community to come see together, the second of two nationally televised debates of the Presidential Candidates. Subject to change per national events.
Fellows Quad Tabling, September 11
10 a.m.-2 p.m. In front of the Interactive Learning Center
IAAV fellows table on Quad and deploy innovative ways to engage students encouraging participation in events on campus.
Week of September 16
Constitution Day Voter Registration Drive, September 17
8 a.m.-6 p.m. on The Quad
Prop 1 Initiative (Open Primary/Ranked Choice) Forum, September 17
7 p.m. Jordan Ballroom in the Student Union Building
Featuring Tom Luna, partner at Strategos Group Public Affairs and former Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Hyrum Erickson, Idaho for Open Primaries. Moderated by Isaac Castellano, Associate Director of the Institute for Advancing American Values.
Week of September 23
Organizations Speak, September 25
5 p.m. Multipurpose Classroom Building Room 106
Come hear student organizations leaders speak on what their organizations stand for and their plans for the fall semester.
Sustainability for the Forgotten – Book Tour, September 26
6 p.m. Interactive Learning Center Room 118
Featuring Dr. Gary Machlis, Professor of Environmental Sustainability, Clemson University.
Sustainability for the Forgotten
Week of September 30
Boise State Listens, October 1
5 p.m. Special Events Center in the Student Union Building
Ten students speak on what they value and why. See the Boise State Listens webpage for more information.
Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party, October 1
6:30 p.m. Special Events Center in the Student Union Building
A neutral space to watch the debate with other members of the campus community.
Week of October 7
Election Security Panel, October 9
7 p.m. Alumni and Friends Center Ballroom
A panel of Boise State Faculty participating in the Idaho Election Cybersecurity Center. Co-sponsored with ASBSU and SPS.
Week of October 14
War, Trade, and Geopolitical Consequences: What to expect in foreign policy from a Harris or Trump Administration, October 15
7 p.m. Micron Center for Materials Research Room 106
Policy debates on major issues in the presidential campaign including economic policy, international affairs, and culture war issues. Featuring Political Science Professors, Julia VanDusky, Michael Allen, Ross Burkhart, and Nisha Bellinger, moderated by Isaac Castellano.
What the heck are they thinking? The economic consequences of Harris and Trump, October 16
7 p.m. Micron Center for Materials Research Room 106
Policy debates on major issues in the presidential campaign including economic policy, international affairs, and culture war issues. Featuring Economics Professors Rafael Ribas and Anne Walker, moderated by Allen Dalton.
Week of October 21
Who Should be President? Hear from Republican & Democratic Party Leaders, October 21
3-5 p.m. Bishop Barnwell in the Student Union Building
Hear from Republican and Democratic party leaders speak on why you should vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Featuring Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke (Republican) and Idaho State Representative Ilana Rubel (Democrat).
Distinguished Lecture Series, October 25
7 p.m. ExtraMile Arena
The Fall DLS features New York Times Columnist David Brooks. The event will also feature a Civic Engagement Fair at the end of Brooks’ remarks.
Week of October 28
State of the Election Roundtable, October 29
5:30 p.m. Hatch Ballroom in the Student Union Building
A roundtable discussion forecasting the election with SPS faculty and area journalists on the state of the national election.
Week of November 4
Brandt Lecture, November 4
7 p.m. Jordan Ballroom in the Student Union Building
Brandt Lecture featuring Larry Reed, Former President of the Foundation for Economic Education, will present his lecture: Presidents and Economics: Two Who Got It Right.
Week of November 11
Election Debrief, November 13
5 p.m. Hatch Ballroom in the Student Union Building
Join us for a debrief of the election, where Political Science faculty members Dr. Jaclyn Kettler and Dr. Charles Hunt review the election results, highlighting major trends in voter turnout, patterns, and outcomes.
Week of November 18
School Choice in Idaho, November 19
6:30 p.m. Alumni & Friends Center Ballroom
The forum, featuring Idaho State Representative Wendy Horman, Senator Lori Dean Hartog, Senator Janie Ward-Engelking, Home School Idaho board member Audra Talley, and EdChoice Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Joey Magaña, will examine the issue of school choice and the expected legislative action on the issue in the upcoming Idaho State legislative session.
Dr. Andrew Finstuen, Executive Director of the Institute for Advancing American Values, will moderate the forum.