Northern Kentucky University

The flag of the Commonwealth of Kentucky reads “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Unfortunately, divisiveness often seems the order of the modern day. People are angry. People are frustrated. And as their interest in understanding each other dwindles, their ability to respectfully discuss differing views erodes.

As places of learning, universities should be uniquely positioned to address these issues, to bridge gaps, acknowledge disparate perspectives, and illustrate ways to compassionately and thoughtfully engage with people whose perceptions vary from one’s own.

This, however, does not always occur, and – as a result – faculty, staff, and students may self-censor, effectively limiting opportunities to learn, to understand alternative outlooks, and to develop and practice critical thinking skills.

As a Heterodox Academy (HxA) community, the Gray Areas Alliance seeks to promote the values of open inquiry (the ability to ask questions and share ideas without fear of reprisal), viewpoint diversity (seeking diverse perspectives when exploring ideas and working toward solutions), and constructive disagreement (discussing issues with respect and with the goal of understanding and learning from people who have different points of view). The Gray Areas Guild strives to celebrate and encourage these values and welcomes your support and participation.