Manhattanville University Joins Movement to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses
The University’s president recently joined College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a growing consortium dedicated to teaching the next generation how to be informed and engaged citizens
PURCHASE, NY, September 2024 – In a time of increasing political division, civil discourse is more important than ever. This fall, as students head back to campuses across the nation, Manhattanville University is ready to teach students how to be engaged, thoughtful citizens both on and off campus as part of a unified effort across institutions of higher learning.
Through College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a consortium led by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, participating college and university presidents are preparing the next generation of informed and active citizens; defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding of democracy. The consortium, which started with only 15 members in August 2023, has grown significantly, highlighting its momentum and the need for such a movement. Now, Manhattanville University President Frank D. Sánchez, Ph.D., has joined 91 other college presidents from across the country to foster engaged citizenship.
Participating presidents will take campus-specific and collective action, reflecting the shared Civic Commitments of educating for democracy; preparing students for a vibrant and diverse society; and protecting free inquiry. Campus leaders will take substantive action to promote democratic engagement among students and will take public accountability for progress through the publication of an annual impact report.
“Civic preparedness and the exchange of ideas are pillars of a thriving democracy,” said President Sánchez. “Higher education institutions like Manhattanville University are where these ideals are not just formed but put into action. By fostering critical thinking and open dialogue and educating students about what it means to participate in a democracy, we empower students to engage in society as informed and responsible citizens.”
Presidents are developing campus-specific programming to advance the Civic Commitments in 2024, including new courses, outside speakers, student orientations, presidential speeches, technology tools, and voter education initiatives. A complete listing appears on the consortium website.
At Manhattanville University, planned programming includes:
- Hosting a debate with elected officials and encouraging students, faculty, and staff to share their points of view.
- Implementing democracy and civic life as key themes for the school year.
- Coordinating approaches to civic engagement among students, faculty, and staff.
In addition to campus-specific efforts, the consortium will engage in collective actions, such as:
- Meeting regularly to exchange information, ideas, practices, and tools on such topics as the 2024 elections and student activism.
- Helping faculty engage effectively with free expression and civil discourse in the classroom by participating in the Faculty Institute on Dialogue Across Difference.
- Creating and utilizing opportunities for shared advocacy and public outreach on civic preparedness in higher education.
“Higher education has a responsibility to provide students with critical civic skills and knowledge to participate effectively in our constitutional democracy,” said Rajiv Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. “College is an important time for students to develop the habits, practices, and norms to live in a multicultural and interconnected democracy.”
College Presidents for Civic Preparedness has been supported by ECMC Foundation, Einhorn Collaborative, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, One8 Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Lumina Foundation, Charles Koch Foundation, and Teagle Foundation, with individual campuses providing support for their own related projects.
About Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social justice. For three years in a row, “U.S. News and World Report” has ranked Manhattanville the number one private, non-profit institution in New York among Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,300 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from over 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 23 NCAA Division III teams.
Contact: Cara Cea, cara.cea@mville.edu, 914-323-1278 or 914-906-9680.
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