Occidental is launching a multi-year partnership with the Institute for Citizens & Scholars to strengthen the free exchange of ideas and support thoughtful engagement across differences throughout the Oxy community.
Dear Oxy Community,
I am excited to announce that Occidental College is embarking on a multi-year effort with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars (C&S). C&S is a national collective of 130 leading higher education institutions committed to supporting institutions in fostering the free exchange of ideas, thereby strengthening the civic community on campus.
The mission of C&S resonates with Oxy’s core commitment to the public good. This work builds on two of Oxy’s strengths: faculty who encourage rigorous inquiry and thoughtful debate, and programs like Campaign Semester that give students the opportunity to put those skills into practice. Our partnership with C&S will give us additional tools to help students engage across differences with respect, curiosity, and confidence.
Our C&S Campuswide Initiative will begin this semester with convening an Action Council of faculty, staff, and students, led by Vice President for Community & Equity Dr. Warren Anderson. I will be seeking input from student, staff, and faculty leadership to identify members of this Action Council, as well as from Deans Santiago and Bos. If you are interested in serving on the Council, please reach out to Dr. Anderson to express your interest no later than October 1, 2026.
In addition to developing and implementing a plan that reflects our institutional needs, the Action Council will review key policies, including the Speech, Dissent & Demonstration Policy, and advise me on topics related to the state of free speech on campus.
You can expect more detailed emails on the Action Council and other updates related to this work in the coming weeks. I look forward to seeing what this group will bring forward for the Oxy community.
Best,
Tom