Heterodox Academy’s John Tomasi Discusses the Importance of Ideological Inclusivity on Campuses nhendrickson@c… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 08:35 Colgate University welcomed political philosopher and inaugural president of Heterodox Academy John Tomasi to campus on March 27 to discuss the importance of ideological diversity at colleges and universities. The talk, moderated by President Brian W. Casey, was the fourth installment of the spring Presidential Speaker Series, which has fostered discussion around the public responsibilities of higher education. Heterodox Academy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization composed of college faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to restoring and protecting the integrity of universities as spaces for intellectual inclusiveness and exploration. Tomasi said he places the quest for truth at the forefront of this mission. “We restore that truth-seeking mission, not by going back to some supposed good old days, but [understanding that] there is a future glimpsed but not yet realized, which is deeply worth fighting for — a university that is truly inclusive, where people seek knowledge together,” Tomasi said. Casey and Tomasi first crossed paths more than 20 years ago, while both were working at Brown University — Casey as assistant provost and Tomasi as a professor of natural theology and political science. Tomasi would later become chair of the natural theology department. In 2022, Tomasi left Brown to lead Heterodox. He was inspired by two former students who represented different sides of the political spectrum yet agreed on the necessity of hearing differing perspectives for intellectual growth. Tomasi recounted the pivotal message of one of those students — words that have stayed with him: “He said, ‘We didn’t come to campus merely to become more skillful defenders of some inherited ideology, left or right. We came to college to think in new ways for ourselves.’’’ Tomasi acknowledges that, while universities have made significant progress in becoming more inclusive of diverse identities and backgrounds, they have become more ideologically exclusive, particularly where conservative viewpoints are concerned. “Universities have endangered themselves by letting themselves become silos — or be perceived as silos — not connected to the wider society,” Tomasi said. “There are forces in society now that are very concerned with looking at these publicly funded institutions and saying, ‘Shouldn’t they be accountable to all of us?’” According to Tomasi, that’s a precarious position, and some universities are starting to address it. But the work must be organic and come from within — thus the partnerships formed with individuals on campuses across the country. “We love our universities the way Socrates loved Athens, we love them enough to criticize them,” he said. News and Updates Faculty & Staff Debate and Discourse Presidential Speakers Series John Tomasi (Photo by Mark DiOrio)

Colgate in the Media: March 2025 kputman@colgate.edu Wed, 04/02/2025 - 16:02 Colgate University faculty, staff, and alumni regularly provide their expertise and contribute to national and regional media outlets shaping discussions around vital research and current events.  Art Seizures at the Met Caused Concern. His Job Is to Address It. The New York Times, Professor of Art; Chair, Department of Art Elizabeth Marlowe Group Chat War Plans Provide a Window Into Trump’s Mafia State The Nation., Associate Professor of Political Science Sam Rosenfeld Cuomo lacks interest in ‘actual governing,’ longtime foe argues in new book Politico, Charles Evans Hughes Visiting Chair of Government and Jurisprudence in the Department of Political Science Stephanie Miner The Art of State Persuasion Exposes the Hidden Role of Media in Authoritarian Foreign Policy WKRG News 5, Assistant Professor of Political Science Frances Yaping Wang Colgate students partner with Rogers Center to learn maple syrup production WBNG News 12, Isabella Gregory ’25, James Manderlink ‘25, and Laura Richard ‘25 Bobby McMann took an unusual journey to the Maple Leafs. But he’s thriving in the NHL spotlight Toronto Star, Bobby McMann ’20 Lt. Gov. Delgado To Speak at Hartwick College AllOtsego, Antonio Delgado ’99 Jaime Dunn: “It’s not about wanting to be president, it’s about being able to be one.” El Deber, Jaime Dunn ’90 Colgate University generates $157M economic impact The Central New York Business Journal Colgate to host entrepreneurship showcase in early April The Central New York Business Journal Mexico celebrates return of 915 Pre-Hispanic artifacts from U.S. ArtDaily Faculty News Alumni News and Updates Alumni Faculty & Staff

In honor of Colgate’s Bicentennial year, the Picker Art Gallery is hosting a special traveling exhibition, Koolanga Boodja Neh Nidjuuk (Children Looking and Listening on Country), through June 30. The post Repatriation and Reconciliation: The Carrolup Artworks Return to Colgate first appeared on Colgate University News.

Grafters X Change: Branches and Networks brought together Colgate and local community members, eco-artists, and activists to foster creative community resiliency. The post Grafters X Change Builds Community Resiliency first appeared on Colgate University News.