University of South Carolina Launches Civic Leadership Center

Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina (USC) has announced the establishment of the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, an initiative designed to address the growing need for civil discourse and deepen understanding of American democracy. The USC Board of Trustees approved the center last month in anticipation of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant step towards promoting civic education on campus.

The center’s primary mission is to explore key concepts such as liberty, democratic self-governance, the rule of law, and unalienable rights. It aims to foster cooperation across partisan lines and contribute to national conversations around civic leadership and trust in government. With declining faith in democratic institutions, the center seeks to provide a platform for bipartisan discussions involving national and state leaders, scholars, and members of the community, including USC students, faculty, and staff.

Leading the charge is Christopher Tollefsen, a philosophy professor who has been appointed as the interim executive director of the center. He will work alongside faculty members from disciplines including history, political science, sociology, law, and education to create a comprehensive civic program. Plans include the hiring of 6 to 8 new professors in the next five years to bolster the center’s mission.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

The center is set to kick off its activities with a public event scheduled for September 12, featuring advisory board members Robert P. George from Princeton University and Cornel West from Union Theological Seminary. Additionally, a Constitution Day lecture addressing the topic of religious freedom will be presented by John Witte from Emory University on September 17.

This initiative aligns with a national trend of universities establishing civics education centers to address increasing political polarization. Surveys indicate that many Americans lack a fundamental understanding of their rights and the workings of government; for instance, less than half can name most rights protected under the First Amendment, and under two-thirds can identify the three branches of government. The establishment of this center directly responds to such educational deficiencies and students’ desires for a deeper grasp of civic responsibilities.

Context and Background

In recent years, USC has proactively strengthened policies that support free speech on campus, reinforcing a commitment to fostering informed discussions about civic issues. The creation of the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse not only reflects a shift toward prioritizing civics education but is also in response to legislative mandates affecting civics education and the need to update teaching requirements pertaining to the country’s founding documents.

The center’s formation comes at a crucial time as it prepares to celebrate the impending 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone highlights the importance of educating the next generation about the principles that underpin American democracy. By facilitating elevated conversations about current events and promoting civic principles, the center aims to empower students to engage more meaningfully in discussions regarding the country’s future.

As USC moves forward with this initiative, it joins a growing network of over 13 public universities across eight states that have established similar civics centers. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of civics education in today’s sociopolitical climate, ultimately seeking to create a more informed and engaged citizenry.