Free and Inclusive Speech in Times of Polarisation

Free and Inclusive Speech in Times of Polarisation

University of Ottawa, June 1, 2026  

Organized by Nils Holtug (University of Copenhagen) and Patti Tamara Lenard (University of Ottawa)  

It is already well-repeated that democratic states are increasingly polarized. One manifestation of this polarization is in the nature of public discourse, which is increasingly aggressive, disrespectful and ugly – more and more interlocutors call each other names, wish ill on each other, and call for their respective “cancellations.” Our workshop focuses on how we can have genuine political and moral conversations in these times of heightened sensitivity, frustration and conflict over basic values and norms. Our starting point is the suggestion that earlier political theorization of the conditions for respectful deliberation, and the strategies to protect speech/expression therein, require updating for the present moment. In light of that, we are seeking contributions that consider questions such as:

1. How can/should we protect freedom of speech/expression in diverse, democratic, states, in the present moment?
2. How can we ensure that tense political conversations can both be respectful and inclusive?
3. What duties do ‘we’ have to ensure that these conversations are respectful and inclusive?
4. How should specific institutions, like universities, foster an inclusive space for political and cultural conversations? What does academic freedom mean, what is it for, and how can we protect it? What do we do in cases of conflict between inclusion and academic freedom/freedom of speech?
5. What principles (if any) should guide conversations across political, economic, and social spaces, about cultural, religious and political differences? How can diverse groups themselves interact respectfully around these differences?

We have travel support available for (some of) those who need it. The deadline for submitting abstracts (300 words) for consideration is December 15, 2025, to [email protected] and [email protected].   Would-be contributors should note that the Canadian Political Science Association’s annual meeting will be at University of Ottawa, from June 2-4 (https://cpsa-acsp.ca/ - deadline for proposals to CPSA is November 10, 2025).