Student Corner
DFTD strives to ensure a learning environment at Davidson College that is ideologically balanced and promotes lively debate. Students at Davidson College are the cornerstone of our mission and their voices are crucial to our work.
How Can DFTD Help You?
Applications are now open for the Robert Murray Scholarship for Excellence in Free Expression!
Robert Murray was a founding member of Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse (DFTD) and a central figure in shaping its mission. His belief in free expression, viewpoint diversity, and open dialogue was instrumental to the organization’s founding and early success. In recognition of his lasting impact, DFTD established the Robert Murray Scholarship for Excellence in Free Expression to support students who embody the values he championed; intellectual courage, respectful dialogue, and a commitment to expanding the range of ideas at Davidson College.
Robert Murray graduated from Davidson College in 1978 with a degree in political science. During his time at Davidson, he was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and developed a lifelong commitment to principled dialogue and open inquiry. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Virginia’s Woodrow Wilson School of Foreign Affairs.
Professionally, Robert served as president of Health At Home, Inc. and owner of The Bridge Agency, Inc., both based in Charlotte, North Carolina. His entrepreneurial leadership in the healthcare and insurance sectors reflected his dedication to service, integrity, and innovation.
Need to talk about a freedom of expression concern or exemplary action on campus? We are here to listen and advocate on your behalf.
DFTD is proud to support a variety of student activities at Davidson College. If you are a campus organization leader and wish to have DFTD sponsor an upcoming event please fill out the application.
External Student Resources
List of Services
List of Services
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Constructive Dialogue InstituteList Item 1
Our psychology-based educational tools help people discuss complex and divisive topics with ease, even when they disagree.
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Street Epistemology
SE gives you tools to discuss the most difficult topics that mean a lot to you and the people around you. It helps you to better understand the views of others, and maybe change a mind or two along the way.
List of Services
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FIREList Item 1
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.
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Heterodox Academy
Heterodox Academy (HxA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization of thousands of faculty, staff, and students committed to advancing the principles of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement to improve higher education and academic research.