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Center for Freedom and Western Civilization

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The Center for Freedom and Western Civilization is a forum for civic debate and scholarly research that enlivens the intellectual discourse among students and faculty by promoting a set of ideals that have their origins in Western civilization, but are universal in scope and appeal.

We study the ideals of free speech, free enterprise, and constitutional democracy, especially as they have been understood and established by America’s founding fathers. The serious study of these ideals and institutions — from the time of the early American Republic and in the contemporary world — is critical to educating citizens and leaders.

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News and Updates

2024 Constitution Day Debate

Ulrich Baer of New York University (right) speaks during the 2024 Constitution Day Debate Sept. 12, 2024, with Keith Whittington of Yale Law School (left) and debate moderator and Professor of Political Science Stanley Brubaker (center).
Ulrich Baer of New York University (right) speaks during the 2024 Constitution Day Debate Sept. 12, 2024, with Keith Whittington of Yale Law School (left) and debate moderator and Professor of Political Science Stanley Brubaker (center). Photo by Andy Daddio.

Experts Debate Free Speech Limits in Higher Education

Two academic freedom experts made their cases for the role and scope of free speech in higher education during Sept. 12.

The annual debate celebrating Constitution Day is sponsored by the Forum on Constitutional Government and the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization. Since 2005, ºÚÁÏÍø has hosted a Constitution Day debate on campus focused on a variety of constitutional issues. 

Keith Whittington of Yale Law School, author of Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech, believes the central mission of a university should focus on the discovery and dissemination of knowledge by academic scholars. Ulrich Baer of New York University, author of What Snowflakes Get Right: Free Speech, Truth, and Equality on Campus sees a university’s mission as grounded in not only speech, but also in equality. All debate guests were provided with a pocket Constitution and a copy of ºÚÁÏÍø’s Student Rights and Responsibilities. Read more about the debate and speakers or . 

Graphic of rabbit and duck debating.

How to Have Challenging Conversations on Campus

Professor of Political Science Stan Brubaker, who teaches constitutional law, American politics, and political theory in addition to moderating ºÚÁÏÍø’s annual Constitution Day debate, shares some advice about how to discuss challenging topics as part of . 

Podcast artwork with statue

Center Co-Directors Featured on ºÚÁÏÍø’s 13 Podcast

In this episode of 13, join the co-directors of the Center for Freedom and Western Civilization — Professor of Political Science Robert Kraynak and Associate Professor of Art and Art History Carolyn Guile — as they discuss the genesis of the group, its mission, and past speakers that they have brought to campus.

Student Excellence Opportunities

Summer Research Fellowships

2024 Center Summer Fellows Reception

Our James Madison and Prague Summer Research Fellowships allow students to pursue faculty-mentored summer research projects focused on themes related to the Western heritage of freedom and civilization.

More about fellowships

Awards & Scholarships

Michael Hanratty ’24 is the 2024 recipient of the Brian Horey ’82 Civic Freedom Award, seen here with his faculty sponsor, Stanley Brubaker, professor of political science.

Michael Hanratty ’24 is the 2024 recipient of the Brian Horey ’82 Civic Freedom Award, seen here with his faculty sponsor, Stanley Brubaker, professor of political science.

More about awards and scholarships