OSU-CHS awarded US Department of Education grant for civil discourse project

February 20, 2026 - 18:44

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS) has received a substantial federal grant nearing $4 million to lead a national initiative aimed at strengthening civil discourse. The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education under its Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Special Projects program, will support a comprehensive project designed to improve the quality of conversation on college campuses and within broader communities.

The project recognizes the growing need for constructive dialogue across differences in today's polarized environment. It seeks to equip students, faculty, and community members with practical tools and frameworks for engaging in respectful and productive discussions on complex and challenging topics. The initiative plans to develop and implement specialized curricula, training programs, and campus-wide activities focused on dialogue skills, active listening, and intellectual humility.

By fostering these essential competencies, the program aims to create more inclusive and collaborative environments where diverse perspectives can be shared and understood. The grant will enable OSU-CHS and its partners to establish a model for civil discourse that can be replicated at institutions of higher education across the country, ultimately contributing to a stronger civic fabric.