Spring 2026
Buckeye Day of Dialogue
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 4-5:30 p.m. at the Student Union Performance Hall | Full details and registration
Civil discourse requires learning and practice, and it is something we need to exercise every day.
That's why the Chase Center is partnering with "Listen. Learn. Discuss." for the first annual Buckeye Day of Dialogue. The goal of the day is to provide all Buckeyes an opportunity to engage one another in respectful and thought-provoking conversations that follow the Center for Ethics and Human Values’ 4Cs of Civil Discourse.
Join Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter and other university leaders at this event, which is free and open to Ohio State students, staff, and faculty. Heavy hors d’oervres will be provided.
Visiting Professor Dr. John Thrasher: What Free Speech Is For
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 5 p.m. at Thompson Library, 11th Floor | Full details and registration
This talk argues that free speech serves the same function in civic life; it keeps power contestable by keeping criticism and dissent live options for ordinary people, even when the speech is unpopular or wrong. Thrasher will argue that the threat today is not only censorship, but also the rising costs of dissent, which make silence the rational choice.
Diversity of Thought: Religion's Impact on Civic Society
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7 p.m. at Vitoria on the Square, 14 E. 15th Ave., Columbus | Full details and registration
Religion has long shaped the moral fabric and civic life of societies around the world — inspiring service and compassion while also influencing law, politics and cultural identity. In today’s pluralistic and polarized era, what role should religion play in public life? Does faith strengthen civic society, or can it divide and constrain it? Sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, Moritz College of Law, and the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society.
Randy Barnett: Chase Distinguished Lecture Series
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 4 p.m. at Thompson Library | Registration details coming soon!
Teaching the Declaration of Independence (for high school educators)
Three weeklong sessions to choose from: June 8-12, June 15-18, and June 22-26 | At The Ohio State University | Details and Registration
A week of professional development focused on the Declaration of Independence for high school civics, government, and history teachers. These sessions coincide with the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Workshops will include lectures from experts on the American Founding, discussion of strategies for teaching the Declaration, and simulation exercises on the Second Continental Congress. By pairing high-quality content instruction with simulation activities on the Declaration, these workshops will increase American teachers’ knowledge of and appreciation for the key texts and events that have shaped this nation’s history.
Ohio Civics Centers Symposium
Thursday and Friday, April 23 - April 24, 2026 | TBD at The Longaberger House
Details on our 2026 symposium coming soon!
The Ohio Civics Centers Symposium brings together centers at Ohio universities that are dedicated to civic education. The symposium serves as a platform for these centers to collaborate, share research, and develop innovative approaches to fostering informed and engaged citizens.
Fall 2026
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