President Ken Gormley and nationally prominent political figures spoke March 23 on the importance of respectable debate at Civil Discourse and Voting in Today’s America, Duquesne’s annual campus-wide event on civil discourse.
“Free and fair voting lies at the heart of our American democratic system,” Gormley told the audience of University students, faculty and staff. “We’re engaged in dialogue that is relevant to all of us as citizens, but I think it’s particularly relevant to our students, many of whom are newly eligible to vote.”
Moderated by Gormley, the forum featured former U.S. Representative Dick Gephardt, a longstanding Democratic member of Congress who served as House Majority Leader, and Elizabeth Preate Havey, a prominent Montgomery County attorney who serves as secretary of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. Aerion Abney, state representative for the 19th District of Pennsylvania, also delivered a pre-recorded message.
Havey encouraged audience members to participate in the voting process and respectfully listen to both sides of an issue.
“Civil discourse is what keeps us thriving, and we are lacking it today,” Havey said. “I hope all of you will engage in civil discourse not only today, but generally in your life going forward.”
Gephardt added that when citizens fail to engage in respectful conversations and participate in the voting process, democracy ceases to function.
“This is a very important discussion. The younger generation has to carry on this tradition,” Gephardt said. “You have to understand your obligations of citizenship, and you have to practice them at every election and in between elections. If you don’t, we will lose this democracy. We will lose this country.”
Gormley launched the Civil Discourse Series in 2017 as a way for the campus community to explore the importance of respectful debate on the most challenging topics.
“We want to ensure that our students and other members of the Duquesne community feel comfortable sharing their views, even on the most complicated and trying issues, in a respectful and productive fashion,” Gormley said. “Civil discourse is an important component of leadership in every aspect of business, community service and productive citizenship. We are proud to continue the long tradition of Duquesne University playing a leading role in this vital domain.”
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