Standing together: Student-focused Civil Discourse Symposium fosters respect
On April 20, 2026, students at Texas A&M have an opportunity to participate in the inaugural event designed to foster civil dialogue grounded in the Aggie Core Values.
Texas A&M University stands ready to show the world how leaders of character can interact and lean forward, together, on hard problems. Fostering an environment where students can engage, learn and challenge themselves, and one another, is a longstanding premise of higher education and is especially valued at Texas A&M — known as a welcoming place to grow as a student, as a leader and as a member of society. And more than ever, bringing opportunities forward where differing points of view are met with respect, integrity and constructive engagement takes distinct precedence in defining the student experience.
Building on the university’s history of hosting events to support civil discourse and empowering student groups to invite a wide array of speakers to campus, the university will host the Civil Discourse Symposium on Monday, April 20. Thoughtfully designed to bring students together, the large-scale event will provide moments where the Aggie Core Values offer a foundation for civility and humility on topics that often bring polarization, social tension and ultimately, questions on the integrity of higher education.
“The opportunity to host a full-day event where students can interact with one another, talk about topics that may otherwise be avoided and simply carve time out to intentionally hear from someone with a different perspective, that is invaluable,” said John Sherman ’92, Dean of The Bush School of Government and Public Service, who is organizing the event. “The Aggie Core Values speak to this and naturally offer foundational principles to help guide each and every one of us to serve as a force for good, together.”
Since 2024, the university has been advancing a dedicated Citizenship and Service Program to intentionally engage students during their time at Texas A&M, ensuring every Aggie is empowered as an engaged, informed citizen to serve communities, the state and the nation. This year, Glenn Hegar ’93, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, initiated the opportunity for Texas A&M and fellow A&M System member schools to each host their own civil discourse events over the next year. Student leaders, faculty and staff from multiple colleges and schools across the university are coordinating the event, providing input and guidance on guest speakers, panelists and other activities related to the student-centric event.
To kick off the event, Sherman will offer a welcome, followed by opening remarks from Lt. Gen. Chip Bierman (USMC, ret.), 47th Commandant of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, who will discuss Core Values and leadership. Following his remarks, Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX 10) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX 28) will hold a student-moderated fireside chat on civil discourse in a political and policy setting. Next, student leaders will discuss how to move beyond the social media echo chambers and engage in meaningful dialogue on relevant and tough issues. Then, during lunch, students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive session hosted by The Aggie Lyceum, the university’s nonpartisan civil discourse, media literacy and citizen engagement program.
Texas A&M Interim President Tommy Williams ‘78 will deliver a formal welcome as the symposium reconvenes after lunch, introducing the afternoon keynote speaker, The Honorable Mike Pence, 48th Vice President of the United States, who will talk about his own core values and how these have enabled him to engage in respectful discourse and serve as a leader during his long and distinguished career. An event-concluding invitation to join Aggie Muster on the following day, April 21, will be shared by student leaders, and Hegar will provide closing remarks.
Through the morning fireside chats and afternoon keynote, the event features intentional moments to demonstrate how character, the Aggie Core Values and the ability to engage in civil discourse enable key leaders to succeed. With invitations extended to national and state leaders, including current and former elected officials, the morning fireside chat will offer live dialogue with countering perspectives, during which the speakers will articulate their points of view as students listen and actively participate as moderators and facilitators.
This event comes alongside the advancement of the Citizens for Good program, an initiative born from the notion that Texas A&M is not only educating students for successful careers, but also instilling a sense of responsibility to carry the spirit of civic friendship from campus into their communities and to live a life of service. This intentionality is cultivated through the courses, seminars and other opportunities already woven into the student experience, enabling Aggies to develop an informed appreciation of civic rights and responsibilities, strengthen their critical skills in civil discourse and media literacy, reflect on character and practice serving others in meaningful ways.
“Helping students grow into strong leaders means giving them opportunities to practice respectful, thoughtful conversation. This symposium brings together a wide range of perspectives that will challenge students to develop skills that last well beyond this one-day meeting,” said Williams. “Hosting this event during a year when we’re celebrating both our university’s 150th anniversary and our nation’s 250th makes it even more meaningful, as we encourage students to reflect on what it truly means to have the freedom to discuss, debate and decide for themselves what they believe.”
Through this landmark event, Texas A&M reaffirms its commitment to cultivating leaders who embody respect, integrity and service while engaging thoughtfully with complex and differing perspectives. The goal is to help students leave better equipped to navigate challenging conversations, form meaningful connections and carry forward the principles of citizenship and civic friendship into their future endeavors. The symposium’s success reflects a broader movement across the Texas A&M System, as each System member champions opportunities for constructive engagement and community building. In this way, Texas A&M continues to prepare its students not only for professional achievement, but for a life dedicated to leadership, public service and advancing a civil society.
