Undergraduate Civics Symposium Convened 150 Students for Dialogue on American Patriotism at 250
The Institute of American Civics (IAC) hosted its second annual Undergraduate Civics Symposium in downtown Knoxville, bringing together more than 150 students from 14 institutions across Tennessee and beyond for a day of dialogue centered on American Patriotism at 250.
Designed to strengthen civic knowledge and model civil discourse, the symposium invited students to engage directly with one another on foundational questions about the country’s ideals and responsibilities.
The program opened with a structured debate led by the College Debates and Discourse Alliance, using a Braver Angels-style format focused on respectful disagreement. Students took on the question: Has the United States lived up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence? Arguing both sides, participants demonstrated what it looks like to engage seriously with opposing views, followed by peer-driven discussion that prioritized listening as much as persuasion.
“I think it is so valuable when we have these opportunities to talk with other students, because civic engagement and those discussions are so important,” said Tocqueville Scholar Kendall Sutton.
“Being able to engage with other students and explore different perspectives made the experience meaningful.”
Steven Smith, a political scientist from Yale University, delivered the keynote address, drawing on themes from his book Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes. He challenged students to think about patriotism avoiding both uncritical nationalism and reflexive cynicism.
The program concluded with a fireside chat featuring Vice President Michael R. Pence, moderated by Tocqueville Scholar John Knighton. Knighton guided the conversation through questions on leadership, patriotism, and civic responsibility.
As part of the symposium, students in the Tocqueville Scholars program engaged more deeply with the themes of the event throughout the semester, including reading and discussing Smith’s work in advance. Scholars also participated in a private meeting with Pence, offering an additional opportunity for direct engagement in a small-group setting.
By convening students from across institutions and perspectives, the symposium highlighted the kind of thoughtful, informed engagement needed as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.