[VPAAEtal] Save the Date: April 7 – Civil Discourse Symposium

[Academic Affairs]

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Please mark your calendars for the Civil Discourse Symposium on April 7, 2026!

East Texas A&M is one of three campuses selected by The Texas A&M University System to host this pilot event.  This distinction reflects our university’s strong commitment to civil discourse and constructive dialogue. The symposium is part of the A&M System’s Civil Discourse in a Divided Age initiative, designed to equip students to engage thoughtfully across differences.

This student-focused symposium is envisioned as a full-day, academically grounded event designed to actively engage students in conversations about free expression, civic leadership and respectful disagreement. The morning session will feature a high-profile keynote speaker, followed by a moderated discussion that may include legislators. The discussion will focus on active listening and understanding perspectives that differ sharply from one’s own. The afternoon session will build on that foundation, focusing on civility in media and social media. It will feature a nationally recognized public figure with experience leading in a highly visible public role, followed by a moderated conversation and meaningful student engagement.

Faculty, staff and student leaders are encouraged to integrate this event into their courses and co-curricular experiences, as appropriate, and to actively encourage student participation.  Specific session details and speakers are still being finalized, but the programming will emphasize civil discourse in practice and will be appropriate for integration across a wide range of disciplines and subject areas. We will share more details soon.

Please save the date and share this information with your students!


Erin L. Webster Garrett, PhD

Dean and Professor

Honors College<https://www.tamuc.edu/honors-programs/>


P: 903.468.3005 | C: 540.230.3579


PO Box 3011, Commerce, TX, 75429



[TAMUC logo]<https://www.tamuc.edu/>
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