By hosting forums, panels, and workshops, TU creates an environment where diverse viewpoints can be discussed with academic rigor and mutual respect. Here are examples of how TU has facilitated such discussions from 2022 onward:
Oklahoma Center for the Humanities Symposium on Democracy
- In 2023, TU’s Oklahoma Center for the Humanities hosted a symposium titled “Democracy in Crisis,” where state lawmakers, political analysts, community leaders, and scholars gathered to discuss the health of democracy in the U.S. Topics included voting rights, misinformation, and the role of civic education. TU intentionally framed the event as non-partisan, offering a space where individuals from across the political spectrum could engage in respectful dialogue about pressing democratic challenges without fear of backlash.
- The symposium facilitated frank discussions on electoral reforms and political polarization, with input from both conservative and progressive voices. The center’s focus on academic neutrality helped ensure that all participants felt heard, contributing to a balanced exchange of ideas.
Public Policy Forum on Criminal Justice Reform
- In 2022, TU’s College of Law hosted a public policy forum on criminal justice reform, bringing together policymakers, law enforcement officials, community activists, and legal experts. The event provided a safe space to discuss contentious issues like sentencing reform, incarceration rates, and rehabilitation programs. Stakeholders from opposing sides, including advocates for stricter law enforcement policies and criminal justice reform activists, participated in the discussion.
- The university’s neutral stance allowed the participants to voice concerns, share evidence-based research, and work towards identifying common ground, which was key in advancing policy discussions at the state level later in the year.
Climate Change and Energy Policy Dialogue
- In 2023, TU organized a Climate Change and Energy Policy Dialogue in collaboration with the National Energy Policy Institute (NEPI). This event brought together representatives from the energy sector, environmental advocacy groups, state and local government officials, and academics to address the future of energy policy in Oklahoma, particularly the balance between renewable energy development and the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.
- Given the politically charged nature of energy policy, TU ensured that the event was framed as a collaborative effort to explore all sides of the issue. Participants were encouraged to share data and perspectives in an environment free from political pressure, making it easier for competing interests to discuss pragmatic solutions for the state’s energy future.
Tulsa Race Massacre Public Dialogue
- In 2022, TU partnered with the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation to host a public dialogue on the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre and its implications for racial equity and justice in modern policymaking. Political stakeholders, including local government officials, civil rights groups, and business leaders, were invited to discuss how the city of Tulsa could address historical injustices.
- TU’s role as a neutral academic institution allowed for a respectful exchange of ideas on a sensitive topic. Participants were able to discuss reparations, community investment, and education reform in a safe space, promoting frank conversations that could lead to long-term policy changes.
Tech and Privacy Forum
- In 2024, TU organized a forum on Technology and Privacy in collaboration with the City of Tulsa. The forum brought together technology experts, legislators, and civil rights advocates to discuss the implications of emerging technologies like AI, data privacy regulations, and government surveillance. This event was designed to foster dialogue between tech companies, government officials, and privacy advocates who often have conflicting views on how to regulate technology.
- TU maintained a neutral, academic setting that encouraged participants to engage in honest discussions about the balance between innovation and privacy, helping inform local policy discussions on tech regulation and data protection.
These examples demonstrate TU’s ability to provide a neutral platform for discussions on challenging political and policy issues. By offering a safe, academic space for stakeholders to come together, TU fosters frank and productive dialogue, contributing to the development of well-rounded, inclusive policies.