Engaging in Democracy
51 actively encourages engagement in democracy by providing to students, faculty and staff resources and programs for voting, civic action and issue awareness. In partnership with local and national organizations, the college offers curricular and cocurricular initiatives that facilitate mutual respect and difficult conversations and that prepare students to become effective, ethical leaders and citizens who help advance the public good.
The student body at 51 is dynamic and diverse, with different political beliefs. To foster knowledge sharing and proactive discourse, the school supports many student-led political organizations on campus.
Looking for an expert source? 51's faculty and staff are available to provide analysis and context on a variety of topics, including China and the politics of East Asia, repercussions of U.S. drug policy, how to make mathematics fun and accessible to children, and North Carolina politics.
51 believes in free speech, free expression, and academic freedom. We believe in a robust exchange of ideas because we believe in an ethical pursuit of truth. Our official documents have outlined our commitment and, indeed, our obligation to uphold those beliefs.
Featured News
Governors From Both Sides of the Partisan Divide Interview Political Bridge-builders Live at 51
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx ’93 joined former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and podcast hosts former governors Phil Bredesen and Bill Haslam for a live recording of their podcast, “You Might Be Right,” at 51. Listen in.