UWF to host “Antisemitism, Free Expression, and the Challenge of Dialogue” mini-institute

The University of West Florida will host a free half-day virtual mini-institute titled "Antisemitism, Free Expression, and the Challenge of Dialogue" on Friday, April 17. From 8:15 a.m. to noon, this program will bring together national experts in antisemitism and higher education alongside UWF faculty leaders to explore how individuals, educators and communities can navigate difficult conversations with intellectual rigor, academic freedom and civil discourse.

"At a time when campuses and communities are navigating difficult and often polarized issues, it is essential to create spaces for informed dialogue, intellectual rigor and mutual respect," said Dr. Nicholas Hasan Buker, professor and chair of the UWF Department of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. "As an academic leader and scholar of criminology and public safety, I see this mini-institute as an important opportunity to strengthen our collective capacity to address antisemitism thoughtfully while also advancing campus safety, inclusion and constructive engagement across differences."

Recent national surveys reveal significant gaps in Holocaust knowledge among younger generations and growing exposure to antisemitic content in digital spaces. Regional reporting has also documented rising antisemitic incidents across the southern U.S. These trends are not limited to campuses - they reflect broader societal challenges that impact communities, workplaces and public discourse.

In response, the UWF is bringing together scholars and practitioners to help participants better understand the contemporary landscape and strengthen their ability to engage complex issues responsibly. Through a keynote presentation, breakout discussions and a closing panel conversation, participants will gain foundational knowledge about contemporary antisemitism and develop practical strategies for engaging in complex and often contested topics in educational, professional and community settings.

"In my work, I've seen that meaningful dialogue doesn't begin with agreement - it begins with understanding," said Aurora Osborn, adjunct instructor in the Reubin O'D. Askew Department of Government and project lead for the mini-institute. "This institute is an opportunity to ground difficult conversations in knowledge, to ask better questions, and to engage across differences with both intellectual integrity and respect."

Speakers include:

• Dr. Rachel Fish, national expert on antisemitism in higher education and a leading voice on the intersection of Jewish identity, anti-Zionism, and campus climate.
• Dr. Nancy Koppelman, sociologist and educator whose work explores difficult knowledge, public controversy, and the challenges of teaching and leading through complex social issues.
• Ahmed F. Alkhatib, public scholar and policy voice whose work engages questions of civic responsibility, public discourse and the human dimensions of conflict in the Middle East.

This mini-institute reflects UWF's broader commitment to fostering informed dialogue, academic freedom and respectful civic engagement across campus and in the broader public sphere, equipping participants with tools to engage thoughtfully and respectfully across differences. Whether participating as an educator, student, professional or community member, attendees will leave better equipped to approach challenging conversations with clarity and confidence.

"The discipline of communication examines how productive and ethical dialogue functions across modalities, contexts and situational constraints, and this mini-institute brings together all of these elements," said Kelly Carr, associate professor and chair of the UWF Department of Communication. "The institute tackles antisemitism as both a rhetorical challenge and an ever-shifting but persistent social reality, all within the context of higher education. I look forward to engaging with our fabulous panelists for a meaningful discussion and learning practical strategies for balancing academic freedom and civil discourse as we negotiate difficult terrains in higher education."

This program builds on the UWF's participation in the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism, a highly competitive national initiative supported by the Academic Engagement Network. UWF applied prior to encouragement from the Florida Board of Governors Chancellor and was ultimately the only Florida institution selected to participate. The mini-institute represents UWF's effort to translate that national-level experience into meaningful regional engagement through faculty development, cross-campus collaboration and community-facing programming. Funding for this program is provided in part through a micro-grant from the Academic Engagement Network.

Participation is free and open to all, but registration is required.For more information about the "Antisemitism, Free Expression, and the Challenge of Dialogue" mini-institute and to register, visit uwf.edu/MiniInstitute.