UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

05/22/2026

This year’s graduating interns at the Karsh Institute brought curiosity and a deep commitment to civic engagement.

Through research, storytelling, and public programming, they helped advance conversations about democracy at UVA and beyond.

We are grateful for their contributions and proud to celebrate all they have accomplished. Congratulations to the class of 2026! 🎓

05/20/2026

Social media is reshaping how religious communities communicate, from papal tweets to faith-based influencers on TikTok.

A University of Virginia scholar examines what the digital transformation of faith means for moral authority, public discourse, and American democracy.

As religion continues to move online, new voices emerge and old hierarchies shift, with critical implications for democracy.

05/18/2026

If democracy is important to you, please support the work of the Karsh Institute—and snag a limited-edition UVA pouch!

Make a gift of $25 or more to the Promise of Democracy Fund by June 30.

I’m packing up support for UVA! Give $25+ to your favorite UVA cause and get a limited‑edition pouch

05/13/2026

Governments around the world are stepping in to regulate social media and combat misinformation. But who ultimately draws the line between harmful falsehoods and protected speech?

Two University of Virginia experts explore the global fight, the risks of censorship, and the stakes for free expression and democratic trust.

Governments worldwide are increasingly raising urgent questions about how far state power should extend in shaping social media without undermining the democratic freedoms they are trying to protect.

05/06/2026

Don't miss in Washington, DC on May 9!

Karsh Institute Gibson Postdoctoral Fellow in Democracy Iris de Rode partnered to support this year’s EU Open House as part of her work around America's 250th anniversary. This collaboration reflects the Karsh Institute’s commitment to engaging beyond UVA to contribute to conversations about the democratic ideals that connect Europe and the United States.

We are just under one week away from 2026, but we wouldn't be here at all without our sponsors. Thank you for joining us!

✈️ Airbus
🍫 Ferrero
🚗 BMW Group
🎷 DC Jazz Festival
💄 L'Oréal Groupe
🧀 Mediterranean Diet Roundtable
🍕 PUPATELLA

As well as our dear partner UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy!

Start planning your day now at ➡️ euopenhouse.org.

05/05/2026

The Karsh Institute’s Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, which teaches students how to engage across differences through respectful dialogue, is expanding nationally.

The program has received a new endowment from the UVA Parents Program to ensure its long-term impact.

More than 1,000 UVA students have already participated, and new cohorts are launching at colleges across the country.

The Karsh Institute’s fast-growing program is turning structured conversation into a cornerstone of student life across campuses nationwide.

04/30/2026

On Jan. 1, 1812, after 11 years of silence, John Adams wrote to Thomas Jefferson as if their friendship had never broken. That quiet exchange reopened one of the most consequential relationships in American history.

In the latest episode of the Karsh Institute's “Defining Moments in American Democracy” series, Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello , reflects on how Adams and Jefferson found common purpose despite deep political divides. Their late‑life letters remind us that democracy depends on our willingness to listen, reconcile, and keep rowing together toward shared ideals.

04/27/2026

What characteristics are emblematic of a good leader?

Karsh Institute Intern Esteban Gonzalez asked Hoos on Grounds to build their ideal American leader.

Tell us how you would build your own ideal American leader in the comments below ⬇️

04/24/2026

At a moment when it is essential to reflect on who we are as a democracy, seven student finalists from universities and colleges across Virginia gathered in Richmond to share original speeches about a Virginian who embodies the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

Hosted by UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, UVA250, and University of Virginia 's Office of the President in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission, "A Nation at 250: Virginia Student Oratory Contest" highlighted the voices and visions of the next generation of civic leaders.

Congratulations to all participants for their thoughtful reflections and compelling delivery.

04/15/2026

At a time when meaningful dialogue matters more than ever, seven college students from across Virginia gathered in Richmond to share their voices, ideas, and passion.

Hosted by UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, UVA250, and UVA's Office of the President in partnership with the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and VA250, “A Nation at 250: Virginia Student Oratory Contest” brought forward powerful and personal reflections on the cusp of America’s semiquincentennial.