The Institute of Politics partnered with multiple Pitt departments to host an event titled “Overcoming Polarization Beginning with How We Think” with Dr. Illana Redstone in the lower lounge of the William Pitt Union on Thursday afternoon.

Pitt student leaders gathered on Feb. 3 for the Panther Leadership Summit to discuss the significance of the year’s “Discourse and Dialogue” theme in the broader context of leadership on campus.

Following a series of ‘controversial’ Turning Point USA events in the spring of 2023, the issues of free and protected speech have become a hot topic across the University. As a response, the University of Pittsburgh is leading efforts to effectively foster conversation about difficult topics through their 2023-24 “Year Of” initiative.

After a year of protest, conversation and controversy, the University has coined the title ‘Discourse and Dialogue’ for the 2023-24 academic year to reflect their mission as a public university to “uphold the principles of protected speech and expression.” A team of students and faculty will be developed to cultivate the program as Pitt prepares to initiate its 10th themed academic year.