Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership - The Prindle Institute for Ethics

About the Partnership

The Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership (ICDP) is a growing national consortium of ethics centers working to strengthen the democratic practice of dialogue. Together, Harvard University, Stanford University, Santa Fe College, St. Philip’s College, California State University, Bakersfield, and DePauw University create opportunities for students to engage disagreement as a form of civic and moral learning. Each institution selects a cohort of student fellows who study, practice, and lead conversations across political and social difference. Fellows come together each summer for an intensive, in-person convention where they develop skills in dialogue and facilitation, then return to their campuses to put those practices into action through events and initiatives that model curiosity, respect, and civic responsibility.

Founded in 2020, the ICDP rests on three core commitments: that democracy requires ongoing work and investment; that civil disagreement is a fundamental democratic practice; and that genuine civil disagreement begins with dialogue. These shared principles guide the program’s distinctive approach to character formation and civic engagement.

With new support from the Educating Character Initiative at Wake Forest University, the ICDP is entering a major phase of growth. Over the next three years, the partnership will expand its fellowship network, develop shareable dialogue resources for colleges and universities nationwide, and welcome dozens of new institutional partners. By engaging students from an increasingly diverse range of institutions, the ICDP continues to model what a vibrant democracy looks like in practice—one sustained not by consensus, but by the shared work of understanding across difference.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ICDP →

The DePauw Fellowship Cohort

At DePauw, the Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership selects six to seven fellows each year to foster meaningful dialogue across difference on campus. Fellows design and host programs that invite students to engage thoughtfully with issues of public interest—ranging from dialogue-based discussions and election debate watch parties to events that encourage open conversation about civic life. This year, the cohort is leading The Dialogue Collaborative, a new program that introduces DePauw students to the practice of ethical dialogue through case-based discussion. These sessions help participants strengthen their skills in ethical reasoning and conversation while giving fellows hands-on experience in dialogue facilitation.

What fellows can expect

A $1,000 stipend for their year-long participation

A fully funded, in-person orientation and retreat at the Prindle Institute for Ethics (Aug. 9–13)

Cohort meetings every other week during the fall and spring semesters

Monthly online dialogues with fellows from across the six partner institutions

One to two external panel discussions per semester, attended or watched

About two to three hours per week on average

An in-person winter gathering planned for late January 2027, which most fellows are encouraged to attend