THE INSTITUTE FOR FREEDOM & COMMUNITY
The Institute for Freedom & Community encourages free inquiry and meaningful debate of important political and social issues. By exploring diverse ideas about politics, markets, and society, The Institute aims to challenge presuppositions, question easy answers, and foster constructive dialogue among those with differing values and contending points of view. Established at St. Olaf College in 2014, The Institute offers a distinctive opportunity to cultivate civil discourse within a liberal arts setting.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC DISCOURSE
One of the goals of The Institute is to promote civil discourse in our democracy. Through its public programs and educational offerings, The Institute underscores the value of having open and spirited exchanges on highly controversial subjects in a respectful and productive manner. To achieve this goal, The Institute provides a program of academic coursework, public lectures and debates, scholarly and undergraduate research, and internships for students. Please take a look through the pages to your right and see how The Institute is changing the landscape of intellectual discourse at St. Olaf and beyond.