Dear Members of the College Community,
We are happy to announce that our presidential series, With Mutual Respect: Discussions on Contemporary Challenges is scheduled for Thurs., Nov. 13, 2025, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., in Slavin Center, ’64 Hall. After last year’s event was cancelled, a number of students shared how they saw value in these forums and hoped to participate in a WMR event this fall. The planning committee agreed that a relevant topic for this semester would be “Freedom of speech in crisis: What has gone wrong, and is there hope for civil discourse in America?”
Among the topics to be explored include: Are there limits to free speech and are there topics that are out of bounds? Should all speech be free from consequences? Is there a line between protecting speech and preventing harm, and who determines where this line should be drawn? Are students who support different, or perhaps unpopular ideologies or points of view (including political positions) fearful of sharing their views in classroom settings or other venues? What role do students play in shaping the future of civil discourse?
Historically, the panel has consisted of faculty, students, or a combination thereof. After we shared the topic agreed to by the planning committee, more than 30 students expressed interest in serving on the panel. This fall’s panel will be led entirely by students who represent different perspectives on free speech and the challenges that are occurring in our society, and in particular on college campuses.
I extend my gratitude to all the students who expressed enthusiasm in participating in this important conversation. Your willingness and eagerness to engage in such a significant discussion are truly commendable.
I am also grateful to the students who were chosen to serve on the panel. This year’s panelists will include Carlie Burns, Isabelle Camoin, Shannon Kelly, and Zachary Stoyer. Carl Picerno will serve as the panel moderator. Francesca Bambara and Sam Loranger will assist Drs. Keating and Battistoni in fielding questions and controlling time allotments.
This is an important opportunity to engage in an intellectual respectful exchange about politics across viewpoint differences. The goal is to demonstrate a model of discourse that can service our institution’s pursuit of truth and help to cultivate a healthy democracy. A reception will immediately follow.
To facilitate set-up in Slavin Center, ’64 Hall, advance registration is strongly encouraged. Participation is limited to members of the Providence College community. To register, click here.
Thank you for your consideration and I encourage you to attend on November 13.
Sincerely,
Fr. Kenneth Sicard, O.P., Ph.D.
College President
