Finding Common Ground

The IAC sponsored three events, two of which were held at the historic Blount Mansion, named after William Blount, an original signatory to the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of the events was to engage in conversations focused on the great debates central to the 1787 Constitutional Convention—issues of representation, free speech, and equality. Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia partnered with the Baker Center to develop curriculum for the series.  

The first event focused on the topic of representation and was attended by local elected officials, community leaders, and public servants. Over dinner at Blount Mansion, these individuals discussed what it meant to act as representatives for a larger group, what democracy required, and the role of judgement in decision making. The second event focused on the topic of free speech and was attended by University leadership and faculty. Over dinner, these individuals discussed the importance of free speech, the protections provided in the Constitution, and modern challenges. The final event was focused on equality and was attended by students. Students received materials before the luncheon held on campus that recounted the great debates facing the framers of the U.S. Constitution on the issues of equality versus equity.  

As a capstone of the series, Jeffrey Rosen gave a public talk on the origins of the right to vote as part of the University’s Constitution Day celebrations.  

The Boyd Fund for Leadership and Civil Discourse and the Institute for American Civics sponsored the 2022 series.