Civility Week at Brookdale | February 16–20

Brookdale’s signature co-curricular initiative for democratic learning and civic engagement.

2026 Civility Week “Democracy Takes Courage”- Spring Event Registration – Fill out form

Democracy Takes Courage

by Angela Kariotis

In his Martin Luther King Jr. Day message and at Convocation, President Stout reminded us that responding to uncertainty, fear, and division requires more than awareness—it requires action rooted in our shared values. Civility Week is one way Brookdale continues that work.

From February 16–20, Civility Week returns with the theme Democracy Takes Courage, creating space for our community to engage thoughtfully with the realities shaping our democracy today. Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff will hear from judges, scholars, educators, and community leaders exploring topics such as media literacy, immigration and human rights, the role of the judiciary and checks and balances, global and local civic engagement, and the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue across difference. These conversations reflect a core truth: democracy is not abstract—it is lived, contested, and sustained through informed participation.

As Dr. King reminded us, the arc of the moral universe does not bend on its own. It bends because people—often working quietly and persistently—commit themselves to justice, understanding, and collective responsibility. Civility Week invites every member of the Brookdale community to participate in that work: to bring classes, attend sessions as professional development, support students, and engage in learning that is central to our mission as a community college committed to compassion, collaboration, creativity, and courage. Registration details and the full schedule are available now. We hope you will join us: register here. Watch this invitation.