Resnick: Building civil discourse through student training at U-M

As part of its response to recent debates over free speech on campus, the University of Michigan announced plans for a new civil discourse center set to launch by spring 2026. 

As part of this initiative, U-M has also launched a training module designed by University of Michigan School of Information professor Paul Resnick. “Talking Maize and Blue” uses a blend of interactive quizzes and reflection tools to help students navigate differing viewpoints and manage emotions when confronted with uncomfortable ideas. It will be required for all incoming undergraduate students.

“When the University of Michigan is at its best, we have more curiosity and less condemnation; more courage and less conformity,” Resnick says. 

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Read “U-M won’t fire faculty over Kirk comments, instead announces $50M civil discourse center” in the Detroit Free Press. 

Learn more about UMSI professor and Michael D Cohen Collegiate Professor Paul Resnick by visiting his UMSI faculty profile.