We are inviting you to be part of Montana State University’s inaugural cohort of the Moral Courage College program developed by Irshad Manji, author of “Don't Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars,” and other books focused on empowering individuals in the face of adversity.
We are extending this special invitation to the inaugural cohort to only a small portion of the university community, those, who like you, believe in the university’s mission and have accepted a leadership position to help advance the university for all its students, faculty, staff and for its broader mission of supporting our democracy. There is no cost to you, your department or unit.
In Irshad Manji’s words, “Moral Courage equips people to turn heated issues into healthy conversations by using the skills of courageous communication — and, crucially, practicing those skills so that they become effortless habits.” Some of you may remember Irshad from her memorable visit to our campus in 2016.
The program consists of five, online modules. You will be able to participate in these modules on-demand and at your own pace. The total time commitment of 5-9 hours for the program. Along the way, there will be tools, techniques, tips and downloadable resources.
Importantly, the cohort will come together for an in-person debrief with Irshad Manji herself on January 18 to develop individual plans for practicing moral courage over the next months.
We encourage you to explore the Moral Courage College website, particularly her introductory video on her homepage, as well as Irshad Manji’s book, “Don't Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars.”
If you have questions about the program, please feel free to email Ariel Donohue, senior diversity and inclusion officer, at ariel.donohue@montana.edu, or Alison Harmon, vice president of research and economic development, at harmon@montana.edu.