Campuses as Hubs for Redesigning Democracy So It Works for Everyone

Thursday, January 22, 2026

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM East Coast USA Time

Location: University of DC - Level M1

Primary Presenter(s)

Nancy Thomas

Senior Advisor to the President for Democracy Initiatives and Executive Director, IDHE
American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), United States

Co-Presenter(s)

DB

David Bodary

Chair and Professor, Communication Department
Sinclair Community College, United States
Leah Murray

Professor
Weber State University, United States
RP

Raymond Patton

Associate Professor of History; Faculty Director, Honors Program and Macaulay Honors College
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, United States

For the past year, researchers at eight diverse colleges and universities nationwide engaged in a research and discussion project to explore the attributes of a more aspirational democracy. In this session, members of the research team will share their findings from student focus groups to examine Democracy Re/Designed, a conceptual framework for a democracy that works for everyone. How do students feel about concepts such as “inclusion,” “equity,” and “equal”? Do they want a society that is “free”? Is “just” important or does the concept of “fairness” resonate more? The nation lacks adequate venues for discussing democracy, and colleges and universities can play a vital role filling that gap. Democracy Re/Designed can be used in the classroom, across campus, and in the local community to facilitate discussion, creativity, and promise about democracy’s health and future. Join us to learn how your campus can play a role in redesigning democracy.