FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility
The United States is facing enormous and complex challenges. Alongside the global community, Americans are confronted with the rise of political polarization, a brutal war in the Middle East, contentious elections, increasing disinformation on social media, and a growing sense of disillusionment with government and democratic institutions.
As we confront these urgent challenges, American democracy requires a well-informed and engaged public. At Fordham, we believe universities have a responsibility to foster that engagement with thoughtful education and opportunities for civil public discourse.
The FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility, a yearlong project of education and engagement, offers a model for genuine and respectful dialogue among Americans and fruitful avenues for cooperation in creating solutions to common problems. Starting with Fordham students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and ultimately engaging with the broader public, the project seeks to shift the national conversation away from cynicism and polarization and toward civic virtue. The initiative is made possible by a gift from Dennis FitzSimons, FCRH '72, PAR '13, a philanthropist and former chairman and CEO of the Tribune Company.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Fordham is intentionally coordinating a series of events, programs, and conversations across our campuses to strengthen a culture of civic education and engagement.
Our Jesuit Tradition
“For five hundred years, we in Jesuit universities have taught not just knowledge, but wisdom. We teach our values—empathy and openness, but also our skills—critical thinking and active listening. We encourage students to question assumptions, both ours and their own. We model for students how to argue with passion and logic, without attacking the motives of those with whom we disagree.”
- President Tania TetlowOur Jesuit values demand that we meet the world’s most crucial challenges with discernment, courage, and good faith. The FitzSimons initiative seeks to strengthen and illuminate those values in the context of today’s crises–which too often come with a human toll.
Our Aims
We imagine a Fordham community where:
- All students, educators, and staff members have space to engage with one another in a spirit of peace and open-mindedness. When difficult topics arise, we engage with them as our authentic selves, but with curiosity for perspectives and lifestyles different from our own.
- Critical thinking and discernment are at the core of every interaction we have around important issues and decisions.
- Grace is extended to others by aiming to understand their perspectives, cultures, and personal stories related to any given issue—especially if we disagree with them.
