Lehigh Launches New Program, 'Compelling Perspectives'

If meaningful conversations about crucial issues in society can’t take place on a university or college campus, where can they?

A new program, Compelling Perspectives presented by Lehigh University, aims to create a forum for fostering discussions across differing perspectives on issues of critical and societal importance.

“Universities and colleges are not just centers of teaching, learning and scholarly work,” said President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “At their best, colleges and universities play an important role in modeling respectful public discourse and dialogue on complex issues.”

National security will be the topic of focus for the 2023-24 academic year.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine, the release of President Biden’s national security strategy, and heightened geopolitical tensions in Asia and Africa, national security is a topic of timely discussion, with far-reaching impacts.

Compelling Perspectives will offer a forum where discussion on critical societal topics can be explored on Lehigh’s campus and where Lehigh, as an educational community, can serve as a model of respectful discourse.

“In a society made more divisive by amplified intolerance and singular-view echo chambers, Compelling Perspectives presents a fresh and nuanced approach to engaging in vital dialogue,” said Brett Ludwig, Lehigh’s vice president of communications and public affairs. “Our aim as a university is to present broad perspectives and encourage students, faculty, staff and members of our community to explore diverse viewpoints on topics that matter.”

Advance registration is required for attendance at Compelling Perspectives programs and will open in the new academic year.

Visit the Compelling Perspectives presented by Lehigh University webpage to find more information, which will be continually updated with information on new events.