UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

How could a recent Supreme Court ruling reshape voting rights across the country?

In a new article, experts from across the political spectrum examine the implications of Louisiana v. Callais, a decision that could affect how electoral maps are drawn nationwide. Read more below.

What a Recent Supreme Court Decision Means for Voting Rights and Redistricting Legal experts say Louisiana v. Callais could impact voters well beyond the state’s borders.

University of Virginia students: We've extended the deadline for applying for the fall 2026 Civic Cornerstone Fellowship! You now have until Sept. 4.

The Civic Cornerstone Fellowship brings together undergraduate and graduate students from across Grounds to engage in civic dialogue, explore different perspectives, and discuss the issues shaping our democracy.

If you haven't applied yet, there's still time to join this community of students committed to constructive engagement across differences.

Learn more and apply by Sept. 4: https://karshinstitute.virginia.edu/CCF

We are pleased to share that our executive director, Melody Barnes, has been named to the inaugural Braver Angels Advisory Council.

The council brings together leaders from across perspectives who share a commitment to strengthening civic trust, fostering constructive dialogue, and engaging across differences — values that are central to our work at the Karsh Institute of Democracy.

Twenty-three leaders who disagree on many things said yes to the same thing this month.
They agreed to stand together, publicly, behind the idea that Americans can hold fast to their convictions while staying genuinely curious about the convictions of people on the other side. That's it. That's the commitment.

Today, we're honored to introduce the inaugural Braver Angels Advisory Council—a remarkable group of elected officials, scholars, journalists, civic leaders, authors, entrepreneurs, and advocates who bring different perspectives but share a belief in the dignity, worth, and value of every person.

Their participation is an invitation: to disagree without contempt, to engage across differences, and to practice the kind of courageous citizenship our country needs.

Visit our website to meet the Council members and learn more about why they have joined this effort.

Earlier this week, we announced a partnership with More Perfect to advance local journalism and strengthen civic education and engagement on college campuses nationwide through our Promise of Democracy Fund.

The partnership will launch the next phase of the Virginia Local News Ecosystem Study, which applies research to address the challenges facing local news and its essential role in a thriving democracy. More Perfect’s investment will also accelerate the national expansion of the Civic Cornerstone Fellowship, a program designed by the Karsh Institute to cultivate civic leadership and deepen students’ ability to engage across differences.

Together, we will drive forward local journalism and continue to advance civic education in service of our great country.

More Perfect Announces Partnership With the Karsh Institute of Democracy To Bolster Local Journalism and Expand Civic Education Nationwide More Perfect announced a new partnership with the Karsh Institute to advance local journalism and strengthen civic education and engagement on college campuses nationwide.

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! 🎓

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.

Faith and Democracy in the Digital Age As religion continues to move online, new voices emerge and old hierarchies shift, with critical implications for democracy.

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.

UVA Pouch 2026 I’m packing up support for UVA! Give $25+ to your favorite UVA cause and get a limited‑edition pouch

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.

Who Draws the Line Online? The Global Fight Over Misinformation 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.

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.

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.

Civic Cornerstone Fellowship Expands Nationally, Receives Endowment from UVA Parents Program The Karsh Institute’s fast-growing program is turning structured conversation into a cornerstone of student life across campuses nationwide.