Spring 2026
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – 3-5pm
- Heritage Hall (WMU East Campus) - 625 Oakland Drive - Kalamazoo, MI
- Free parking
Join WMU Athletics, the Kalamazoo Promise, and Oprah award‑winner Irshad Manji for the launch of the nation’s first NCAA Division I Moral Courage Mentorship program.
This groundbreaking initiative brings the Moral Courage Method to WMU. Developed by Irshad Manji, the Moral Courage Method equips people with the skills to turn difficult, polarizing conversations into opportunities for trust-building and genuine connection — what Moral Courage calls "unity without uniformity."
Explore the five core skills that help students lead, listen, and bridge divides. Students, neighbors, and community partners are all invited to see how this kick-off is strengthening connections across Kalamazoo.
Lifting A Leader And Voice For All Sides
A Conversation With Tiffany M. Moore
4 pm, Wednesday, March 25
1025 Brown Hall
At the intersection of policy, technology and diversity, along a road that starts in Detroit and ends in Washington, D.C., lies WMU alumna Tiffany M. Moore's remarkable career. The first in her family to attend college, she studied Spanish and Japanese at WMU, although her mother had hoped she would pursue a business major.
Tiffany was recently named Head of Federal Policy & Government Affairs at Waymo, where she leads federal engagement and policy strategy to support the deployment of autonomous driving technology. For more than 10 years prior she served as the senior vice president for the Consumer Technology Association, best known for its internationally-renowned annual Consumer Electronics Show. Her path to WMU was fueled by the commitment to education of her hard-working single mother.
This mini documentary, based on an interview with Tiffany by LA Times columnist LZ Granderson, follows her journey from the suburbs of Detroit to WMU for college, to her post-graduation leap to D.C., where for 30 years she has worked with people on both sides of the aisle and across multiple perspectives to help shape public policy. Tiffany has worked in the Halls of Congress, with several Presidential Administrations, and with corporate and industry leaders, always intent on finding common ground on difficult issues. What’s made her a great leader is her genuine curiosity to learn from others who may think differently and her ability to build trust.
The screening will be followed by three short panels:
- Reflections from Tiffany's peers in the Camp Baber program; student success programs that exist today.
- Dr. Deveta Gardner, Tiffany’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, on the critical roles sororities play in finding a community and gaining a sense of belonging.
- How We Talk/Heterodox Academy values shaped Tiffany's success.
- Open Inquiry, Viewpoint Diversity, Constructive Disagreement
- How We Talk/Heterodox Academy values shaped Tiffany's success.
- Dr. Deveta Gardner, Tiffany’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister, on the critical roles sororities play in finding a community and gaining a sense of belonging.
A reception will follow at 5:15 pm in Room 3025 Brown Hall—Humanities Center Conference Room.
International Education: Balancing Collaboration and Innovation with National Security
February 19, 2026
Link to program recording:
- We Talk - Benefits and Challenges of Providing International Education Today
- We Talk - Joint Institutes/Divided Loyalties-National Security Risks and Policy Overview
The event examined how international students have enriched WMU and the nation through their academic, cultural, and economic contributions, while also confronting the growing barriers created by shifting immigration policies and heightened research‑security concerns. Through expert commentary, student perspectives, and a detailed discussion of recent federal investigative findings, attendees explored the balance between attracting global talent and protecting national interests. The two panels offered a comprehensive reflection on the state of international education, and the responsibilities universities carry in an increasingly complex global environment.
PANEL I—Benefits and challenges of providing international education today
- Dr. Reetha Raveendran—WMU Dean of Students, host and moderator
- Dr. Rosemary Max, Assoc. Vice President, WMU Haenicke Institute for Global Education, overview of the issues, impacts at WMU
- Theresa Cardinal Brown, currently holds appointments as an Immigration Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute and the National Immigration Forum and is the author of the report, Bipartisan Efforts to Keep Talented International Students in the U.S. After Graduation. Read report.
- Mr. Andy Richards, EVP and COO, Duncan Aviation, Battle Creek, business perspective.
PANEL II—Joint Institutes/Divided Loyalties—National Security Risks and Policy Overview
Jeff Breneman, WMU VP for Government Relations, to interview John Sava, Senior Investigator for the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, on the Committee’s recently published research security investigative reports. Joint Institutes/Divided Loyalties committee report These reports detail how U.S. universities and federal agencies have, enabled China’s military and technological advancement through joint institutes, academic partnerships, and insufficient research safeguards.
Mr. Sava leads the Committee’s investigative and legislative efforts on research security, foreign influence, technology transfer, and intellectual property theft. He is widely recognized within the U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities as a leading expert on the People’s Republic of China’s technology transfer apparatus and the defense research and industrial base. Mr. Sava previously served as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), where he conducted counterintelligence investigations and operations focused on threats at the intersection of academia and research institutions. The Select Committee is chaired by Congressman John Moolenaar (R-MI).
Reports—Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
Dept of Energy, Containment Breach
Spring 2025
Why is Gen Z So Different? How The Great Rewiring of Childhood (2010-2015) Will Impact Everything
March 12, 2025
Has the use of smart phones and especially social media "rewired" global youth development? Should smart phone use by youths be limited in schools and at home? Social psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Jonathan Haidt believes it should. His most recent work, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, examines what he's coined as the “great rewiring of childhood,” in which play-based childhood has been replaced by a phone-based childhood. Haidt will talk about his research, the current mental health situation, and provide some collective action ideas to better prepare Gen Z and beyond to wisely navigate the virtual world.
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.
John Tomasi Lecture Event: "A University that the World has Never Seen."
February 6, 2025
Dr. John Tomasi - Heterodox Academy President, joined us for a campus visit to present a lecture about rebuilding trust in higher education and the work of HxA that included HxA colleagues from U of M and MSU.
Fall 2024
Protecting Democracy
October 1, 2024
We brought together former U.S. Congressman Fred Upton (R), former U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer (D), and former Michigan Elections Director Chris Thomas. Moderated by Jeff Breneman, Western Michigan University’s Vice President for Government Relations, this panel will explore the critical issue of election integrity amid a broader erosion of trust in institutions such as elected bodies, higher education, and the media.
With their extensive experience in public service and election oversight, the speakers addressed key threats to our voting system from both foreign and domestic sources, the rise of misinformation, and what citizens can do to help restore confidence in the democratic process. The conversation also focused on finding bipartisan solutions to ensure the integrity of U.S. elections for future generations.
Mississippi Turning
October 22, 2024
An engaging and thought-provoking event featuring Mississippi-born artist and activist Genesis Be, alongside Assistant Chief Victor Green from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. This special event included an advanced screening of the powerful documentary "Mississippi Turning," which follows Genesis Be and her former high school classmate from Mississippi as they seek common ground over the deeply divisive symbol of the Confederate flag on the state’s flag.
Through their journey of dialogue and understanding, "Mississippi Turning" captures the complexities of heritage, identity, and progress, making this a timely and compelling conversation. Following the screening, Genesis Be and Assistant Chief Green led an interactive discussion on reconciliation, activism, and bridging divides in our communities.
Moral Courage for Messy Times: Palestine, Israel, and the Truths In-Between
November 12, 2024
An in-depth discussion on the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, led by Irshad Manji, acclaimed author, educator, and founder of the Moral Courage Project. Manji was joined by Abdullah Antepli, Associate Professor of the Practice of Interfaith Relations at Duke University, exploring the human dimensions of the conflict and the search for peace amidst deep-seated divisions.
This event was a thought-provoking dialogue on the complex realities of the Gaza-Israel conflict, featuring diverse perspectives on interfaith relations, moral courage, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence.
Spring 2024
WAIT, She was homeless?
March 14, 2024
Trustee Emeritus George Franklin unveiled the deeply personal journey behind the Wall Street Journal's headline sensation, "She Talked Like a Millionaire, Slept in a Parking Garage and Fooled Nearly Everyone". Delve into the heart-wrenching narrative of Franklin's late sister and her struggle with homelessness, shedding light on the complex realities often obscured by societal misconceptions.
In an enlightening discussion, WSJ reporter Jon Kamp provided invaluable insights drawn from his extensive reporting on homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders. Together, we unraveled the intricate layers of this pressing issue, confronting the harsh truths while fostering understanding and compassion.
Kalamazoo Mayor Anderson, along with esteemed professors from the School of Social Work, Dr. Shane Brady and Dr. Don Cooney (also serving as City Commissioner for Kalamazoo), joined our endeavor. As the rate of homelessness escalates in Kalamazoo, it's imperative to challenge prevailing narratives and confront the underlying issues head-on. Guests joined us as we embarked on a journey of empathy, education, and advocacy, guided by firsthand accounts, journalistic expertise, and the collective wisdom of community leaders and experts. Together, we can strive for meaningful change and support those most in need within our city.
Spring 2023
Spring 2022
Dave Isay Campus and Community visit
March 28-29, 2022
We Talk and the Fetzer Institute were pleased to bring Dave Isay, founder of StoryCorps, an ongoing national oral history project, and the One Small Step initiative to Kalamazoo on March 28 and 29, 2022. Isay spoke about this work in a public presentation held in the Fetzer Center’s Kirsch Auditorium on March 29. More than 120 campus and community members gathered to hear about these recorded personal interviews and narratives are helping to change perspectives and ease polarization in individuals, families, communities and organizations.
One Small Step is an off shoot of StoryCorps, the national nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and sharing the stories of Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs. One Small Step is a multi-year effort that brings together strangers of differing perspectives for courageous and meaningful conversations about their lives. These small but effective interventions help decrease feelings of contempt across political divides, allowing Americans to see one another as human beings.
Developed over the past three years by StoryCorps with the input of scientists, researchers and psychologists, the initiative records 40-minute conversations among unlikely pairings of individuals in today’s hyper-partisan and politically charged environment. Conversations recorded for One Small Step are not about politics, but rather about who we are as people: what we care about and our dreams for the future. Every interview becomes part of American history at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress (with participant permission).
Read more about We Talk's partnership with the Fetzer Institute at WMU News.
Learn More
One Small Step pairs strangers with different beliefs for a 50-minute conversation–about their lives, not about politics. The growing divisions in our country pose a threat to our democracy.
- StoryCorps recording
- StoryCorps on 60 Minutes (January 9, 2022)
Open Classrooms with Dr. Lisa Gale
Dr. Lisa Gale, StoryCorps chief program officer, led an inspiring discussion with WMU students on how to discover the humanity in the people we disagree with through conversation to ease polarization at home, in the classroom and the workplace.
Thank you to our sponsors
Stephanie and Ed Fletcher—We Talk Founding Sponsors
Diversity Without Division
Moral Courage College came to campus on March 21-22, 2022, for a thought-provoking, interactive and engaging experience that delves into the heart of what it means to build a culture of belonging. Diversity Without Division™ is a uniquely unifying strategy and toolkit for inclusion. It uses brain science to foster empathy so that differences can be explored in ways that bring people together.
Diversity Without Division workshops was led by Allison Gerrard that taught these principles:
- A culture of belonging is less about shared beliefs and more about effective communication.
- Deeper understanding of communicating in a way that fosters connection, respect and inclusiveness.
- Draw upon life experiences to navigate the challenges of listening in times of tension, high emotion, and division.
- Practical techniques for turning diverse perspectives into opportunities for productive engagement.
Fall 2022
Rep. Dingell and Rep. Upton's Civility Tour
August 1, 2022
WMU We Talk hosted a stop on U.S. Congressional Representative Debbie Dingell and Fred Upton's Civility Tour at Heritage Hall. President Edward Montgomery served as the moderator of an engaging and enlightening conversation about how the two members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have reached across the aisle in recent years to pass important legislation and foster civility.
Re-stitching the fabric of our democracy for the 21st century
October 5-6, 2022
The founding leaders of Interfaith America, author Eboo Patel, and Manu Meel of BridgeUSA, came to campus to share how their organizations work with institutions and individuals to build a more diverse and just democracy. They hosted student-focused events and a campus/community conversation. Learn what these national civic leaders had to say about how to strengthen the social fabric of our campus and community.
Interfaith America's mission is to inspire, equip, and connect leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity. BridgeUSA, a youth-led nonprofit, creates spaces on high school and college campuses for open discussion between students about political issues.
Patel's most recent book, "We Need To Build: Fieldnotes For Diverse Democracy" has been described as an "essential handbook" for activists ready to move from resistance to rebuilding a world of justice.
Copies of the book are available for checkout at Waldo Library and to purchase at this is a bookstore & Bookbug.
Patel's opinion column published Sept. 6 by Inside Higher Ed: "Teach Your Students To Be Builders, Not Critics."
Art Beat: Building a diverse democracy
WMUK interview with Eboo Patel by Zinta Aistars
Manu Meel is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides. Named one of Forbes 30 under 30, Manu believes that polarization is the biggest threat to American democracy. As CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu is leading the largest and fastest-growing student movement to bridge our differences and change how we talk about politics.
Thank you to our We Talk sponsor, the Fetzer Institute, for helping us co-host Eboo Patel and Manu Meel's campus/community visit.
Fall 2021
Irshad Manji and Moral Courage
September 21, 2021
Irshad Manji, with the force of personality and wit, brought her message of moral courage to WMU, boosting the We Talk movement among students, faculty and staff. The Brooklyn-based educator and founder of Moral Courage College challenged her audiences to think differently about how they handle conflict. In classroom, panel, presentation and social settings, Irshad prepared young people to engage honestly about contentious issues rather than shaming or canceling each other.
We Talk used the opportunity of Irshad’s two-day visit to broaden the initiative’s reach into the community, as she met with local government, business and civic leaders. Her closing presentation, Conversations in Divided Times, which included a lively panel discussion, was open to the public. See recording link below.
The author of "Don't Label Me" advised audiences to “listen to understand, not to win." This skill, part of her inclusion program, Diversity Without Division, lowers emotional defenses all-around and thereby increases one's chances of being heard. She also recommended trading the either/or mindset for a both/and lens, which fosters grace as well as self-confidence.
Through their nonprofit, the Moral Courage Project, Irshad and her team train individuals to become certified Moral Courage Mentors in their own communities. WMU community members are applying to the program. Join them! Learn more at moralcourage.org.
Podcast
The Jungle, Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy with Entrepreneur Irshad Manji, founder of Moral Courage College
- Hear to be Heard—Quick tips from Irshad Manji to achieve positive outcomes through conversation and build foundations of trust.
- Conversations in Divided Times—Learn about Irshad Manji's five tips for engaging across divides, the Moral Courage Project she founded and directs, and view a provocative panel discussion she led with Jason Cabel Roe and Dr. Luchara Wallace. Recorded at WMU on Sept. 21, 2021.
- How to be heard (even by those who disagree with you), RSO pizza party with Irshad Manji, co-sponsored by the Western Student Association. Recorded at WMU on Sept. 20, 2021 by Connor Pogue, WMUx student videographer/editor.
- Profiles of Moral Courage in Public Service, open classroom with Irshad Manji, co-sponsored by the WMU School of Public Affairs and Administration. Recorded at WMU on Sept. 21, 2021 by Noah Morriss, WMUx student videographer/editor.
- The Moral Courage Method of becoming a savvy activist, by Irshad Manji.
Articles and handouts
- Handout: The Brain Science Behind the Moral Courage Method, by Irshad Manji.
- Book discussion guide: “Don’t Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars,” by Irshad Manji. A resource provided by the Heterodox Academy.
- We Talk University Library Guide--books and articles related to We Talk-sponsored authors provided by Waldo Library, a co-sponsor of the Irshad Manji campus visit.
What is Irshad Manji talking about?
What is Irshad talking about and with whom? Get a sampling in these videos.
- Irshad Manji makes the case for why students should resist taking offense (3 minutes)
- Irshad Manji leaves Bill Maher speechless (11 minutes, explicit language)
- Irshad Manji and Cornel West: How can we the people converse when we disagree about justice? (< 2 minutes)
- Irshad Manji speaks with PBS "Firing Line" about how Moral Courage can replace Cancel Culture (27 minutes).