The Hopkins Forum

“ A critical part of our university’s mission is to foster the capacity for those with divergent, yet passionately held views to engage in thoughtful, rigorous dialogue. ”

Ronald J. Daniels President, Johns Hopkins University

The SNF Agora Institute has partnered with Open to Debate, the nation’s leading nonpartisan media platform for public debate, to launch a flagship two-year debate series in at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC, and in Baltimore.

The Hopkins Forum convenes leading voices with divergent perspectives to model rigorous, respectful dialogue on the most pressing issues facing democracy. Over the course of eight live debates, audiences experience the power of debate to test ideas, sharpen arguments, and foster understanding.

In an era of deep polarization, the Hopkins Forum offers a public stage for debate that seeks light over heat. By hosting conversations across difference, the series strengthens the democratic values of free expression, informed discourse, and civic engagement.

Johns Hopkins University commits to the steadfast protection of free expression, a commitment that grows from its time-honored role in advancing knowledge and exploring ideas. Through the Hopkins Forum, Johns Hopkins expands this tradition, creating opportunities for public audiences to witness democracy in action.

“ Modeling civil, respectful debate on critical contemporary issues has never been more important. We are honored to partner with Johns Hopkins and SNF Agora to establish the Hopkins Forum. ”