The Role of Higher Education in an Inclusive Democracy Higher education has long been a space where democratic engagement, activism, and civic responsibility intersect. Yet, it has never been without its challenges—exclusion and inequity have shaped its institutions and opportunities. The goal is not to return to a flawed past but to strengthen higher education’s role in advancing democracy. As polarization grows, political pressures mount, and debates over academic freedom and access intensify, higher education must choose whether to retreat or lead. How should higher education respond to this moment? What are the current realities and the untapped potential of student activism and leadership in shaping democracy’s future? This panel discussion is moderated by Brad Rourke, Chief External Affairs Officer at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, and features leaders David Pepper, a senior fellow a the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, Rashawn Davis, executive director of The Andrew Goodman Foundation, and Elyssa Feder, executive director of Rising Organizers. Revisit general session content from Compact25, Campus Compact's 2025 national conference. Compact conferences are the largest and most inclusive national conference focused on the role of higher education in building healthy communities and fostering a just and equitable democracy. Sessions explore topics such as civic learning and democratic engagement, publicly engaged scholarship, practice, and teaching, community-engaged partnerships, institutional action, and anchor initiatives. Learn more at compact.org.

Watch the full Campus #Compact25 panel: bit.ly/42GBpae

"At Compact25, institutions showcased the variety of activities that they are undertaking to overcome...barriers and support community-engaged scholarship."

“At #Compact25, institutions showcased the variety of activities that they are undertaking to…support community-engaged scholarship.” #AcademicSky

Chelsea McCracken spotlights strategies to advance community-engaged scholarship from this year’s @compact.org conference. sr.ithaka.org/blog/how-ins...

Day one of #compact25 is officially a wrap 🎉 From powerful plenaries to hands-on workshops, we kicked off with deep learning & big celebrations! 🎉 Honored milestones in civic engagement + IMPACT Award winners! More celebrations to come!

📢 Kicking off #Compact25 today!

Celebrating 40 years of Campus Compact and imagining a future of collective flourishing! ✨🎉

📣 Join us at #Compact25!

We’re heading to Atlanta, Georgia, to host a plenary session on April 1 on The Role of Higher Education in an Inclusive Democracy. This panel will explore how colleges and universities can lead in strengthening democracy amid rising polarization and political pressure.

Interested in presenting, participating, sharing, promoting, or attending "The Compassionate Action Conference" this May 14 & 15?
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Join us on March 5!
2pm PST / 3pm MST / 4pm CST / 5pm EST / 10pm GMT / 12am SAST / 3:30am IST / 9am AEDT (3/6)
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Link below!
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#Compassion #Conference #CompAct25