Sightings Articles
Why Believe in Democracy? What Martin Luther King Jr. and Volodymyr Zelensky Have to Teach Us
Why is democracy a good thing? Is it? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. helps us understand what it takes to answer this question.
March 29, 2022
Epiphanies Of Power and/or Goodness
The epiphany of this January is at root about the profound need to civilize the nation.
January 12, 2022
Extremism and Defense of Democracy
If we focus on policing acceptable political ideas via the state, we do more to undermine democracy than to secure it.
December 2, 2021
Toppling History?
A reflection on the debate about Confederate monuments and the enduring truths that ought to guide us
July 15, 2020
The Vulnerability and Resilience of Democracy
Is a more vibrant, emancipatory, and equitable democracy possible?
February 13, 2020
Shunning Religion
Prof. William Schweiker reflects on recent attempts to politicize the Amish and the implications for religion in the U.S.
October 28, 2019
Sharpiegate, or the Origins and Ends of Democracy
What does #Sharpiegate teach us about the place of religion in the future, or the end, of democracy?
September 23, 2019
Defending the Ideals of Freedom in Our Non-Ideal Public Life
Democratic public life at its best—and also sometimes its worst—tends to take form “in the streets.” The American colonists paraded and protested in Boston and elsewhere, as did the French in Paris. Our republic’s “second founding,” which came via th...
June 24, 2019
Missing From Conversations About San Bernardino Attack—The Main Point: Education!
Amid the shrieks and din of presidential candidates like Donald Trump calling for a moratorium on the immigration of Muslim to our shores, ISIS’ ranting about apocalyptic warfare between Islam and non-Muslims in the West, and President Obama assuring...
December 10, 2015
Fifty Years After Selma: Historically Black Colleges and Universities Create a Moral Vision of Education -- Corey D. B. Walker
“I have always thought what is needed is the development of people who are interested not in being leaders as much as developing leadership among other people.” - Ella J. Baker American higher education is in crisis. Public conversations on th...