UNF students build civil discourse skills through summer leadership program in Washington, D.C.

A delegation of seven University of North Florida faculty and students participated in the Nantucket Project Summer Intensive in Washington, D.C., joining more than 60 participants from 25 colleges and universities across the country for a week of leadership development, civil discourse and collaborative learning.

This marks the first time UNF participated in the project.

The UNF delegation included faculty members Dr. Nicholas Seabrook, professor and chair in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Russ Turney, university instructor in the Department of English and World Languages, along with five students representing political science, English and psychology. The yearlong immersive program focuses on bridging divides, fostering constructive dialogue and preparing participants to lead in complex environments.

Hosted primarily at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center from July 13-18, the intensive featured seminars, case studies and facilitated discussions exploring political conflict, pluralism, democratic citizenship, leadership and engagement across differences. Participants also connected with scholars, practitioners and public intellectuals from a variety of disciplines and perspectives.

Highlights of the experience included a daylong visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, where participants explored the Civil War battlefield and discussed the evolving debate surrounding Confederate monuments and memorials, as well as a tour of the U.S. Supreme Court that included a conversation with Supreme Court Clerk Scott Harris. Guest speakers included philosopher Agnes Callard, legal scholar Mary Anne Franks, former Israeli diplomat and negotiator Tal Becker, and former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.

Throughout the week, participants practiced a structured dialogue methodology designed to strengthen listening skills, empathy, intellectual humility, and the ability to engage productively with differing viewpoints. The intensive schedule also provided opportunities for informal conversations and relationship-building among students and faculty from institutions ranging from large public and private universities to smaller liberal arts colleges.

UNF's participation supported the University's commitment to civil discourse by providing opportunities to engage with national thought leaders, explore new approaches to civic engagement and identify potential partnerships for future programming.

"I learned so much throughout the week, especially the importance of understanding different perspectives and approaching conversations with empathy and an open mind," said Isabellie Alequin, a UNF political science major. "Those lessons are ones I'll carry with me both personally and academically. I'm also incredibly thankful for the friendships I made and all of the amazing people I had the chance to meet. It was an unforgettable experience, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it."