Sept. 29 & Oct. 6–10, 2025 → Register Attend

By Angela Kariotis

As our nation prepares for America 250, Brookdale joins this historic reflection with Civility Week 2025: Democracy Takes Courage.

Produced by the Student Development Committee of Governance and the Center for Transformative Learning, Civility Week partners with National Voter Education Week and Monmouth 250, honoring our Revolutionary War history and our own legacy: The Jersey Blues. First organized in 1673 and reformed for the Continental Army, these New Jersey soldiers were ordinary people fighting for extraordinary ideals. Brookdale adopted their name to honor civic courage, duty, and freedom. We especially thank our collaborator, Student Life and Activities, who’s been doing so much to bring Jersey Blues to the forefront this year..

Democracy is not guaranteed—it’s our responsibility. Civility Week invites diverse perspectives and respectful dialogue—not to water down opinions, but to exchange them without tearing one another down. As a community college, listening and learning from those different from us is not just beautiful, it’s our mandate.

Freedom exists because generations before us fought for it. What will we risk to preserve it? This week calls us to lead through actions that create a just society where democracy upholds the rights of all.

Democracy takes courage, collaboration, compassion, creativity—and all of us, all the time. As America turns 250, let’s define what it means to be American—and Brookdalian.

Show up—for Civility Week, for democracy.

✅ How You Can Participate

• Join the Brookdale Reading Circle: On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder → Register Zoom
• Student & Staff, Attend A Session, Faculty Bring Your Class: Sept. 29 & Oct. 6–10, 2025 → Register Attend
• Integrate the Theme: Use our Civility Week AI Assistant → Start here
• Explore Resources: Civility Week Hub

🕊️ In Memory of Franklyn Rother
“One of his favorite memories was participating in a strategy meeting—and later marching—with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Professor Rother embodied democratic courage, civic responsibility, and personal integrity. We dedicate Civility Week to him and all who stand up, speak out, and show up for others.

💥 Be Revolutionary. Be Brookdale. Democracy depends on us.