In an era of division, is it still possible to find common ground? Have our rival perceptions of reality made such a search futile? When we are divided not just by policy but by fundamental tribal identities, what does it actually take to foster a healthy debate that doesn't collapse into mutual contempt?
The College of Charleston Friends of the Library and the College of Charleston Civility Initiative will explore those very questions and more during a September 10, 2026, public event featuring The New York Times columnist—and newly announced 60 Minutes correspondent—Ross Douthat.
“As we begin the fall semester and head toward into the U.S. midterms in November, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome someone with Ross’ experience and talent bridging what many fear to be the growing and perhaps irreversible estrangement between members of our body politic,” says John W. White ‘99, dean of the College Libraries. “We hope the campus community and the Charleston public will join us in conversation to explore whether the tools of civil discourse remain able to heal our fractured society.”
The evening event will feature a moderated conversation between Douthat and Mike Lee, the Civility Initiative’s director and professor of communications. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of both speakers during a Q&A, with a reception to follow.
Ross Douthat has been an op-ed columnist at the The New York Times since 2009, joining the paper as its youngest-ever columnist and becoming a leading conservative voice writing for and in conversation with a predominantly liberal readership. In July 2026, it was announced that Douthat will join 60 Minutes as a correspondent, bringing his distinctive perspective to the iconic newsmagazine’s next chapter.
Douthat is the author of Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious, The Deep Places, The Decadent Society, Bad Religion, and To Change the Church, widely discussed books that explore faith, culture, politics, and the shared challenges facing American society. He co-authored Grand New Party, a book widely credited with anticipating the rise of conservative populism and sparking debate across the political spectrum about the future of the American working class.
Douthat is also the co-founder of The New York Times podcast “The Argument,” where he is known for a careful, intellectually generous approach to debate and a commitment to serious dialogue across ideological lines. He is a non-resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and the writer-in-residence at the Elm Institute, contributing to national conversations that bring together diverse perspectives on culture, religion, and public life.
- What: In Conversation with Ross Douthat
- When: Thursday, September 10, 2026
- 7:00 p.m. (moderated discussion)
- 8:00 p.m. (event reception)
- Where: School of the Arts Simons Recital Hall, located at 54 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29401
- Registration: Tickets are available for purchase via the George Street Box Office.