Institute for Governance and Civics

10/13/2026

Join us for a lecture by Michael Farris, a distinguished attorney, educator, and public advocate whose career has been dedicated to constitutional law, educational freedom, and civic engagement.

Drawing on decades of experience in law, public policy, and constitutional advocacy, Farris will examine the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence and its relevance to civic life today.

📅 October 20th, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM
📍 The Jim Moran Building, 111 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301
This event is free and open to the public.

Register: https://igc.fsu.edu/events/michael-farris-renewing-our-sacred-vow-returning-principles-declaration-independence

10/13/2026

A new vision for American education.

In a conversation with the Show-Me Institute, Head of Education Liberty Branch James Shuls, and Jason Bedrick discuss their new book, “The Phoenix Principles: Toward a Rebirth of American Education.” The conversation explores the principles behind the Phoenix Declaration, the importance of academic excellence and civic education, and what meaningful school reform could look like in practice.

🎧 Listen to the full discussion: https://showmeinstitute.org/article/education/a-vision-for-the-future-of-american-education-with-james-v-shuls-and-jason-bedrick

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Jason Bedrick, senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation’s Center for Education Policy, and James V. Shuls, senior fellow at the Show-Me Institute and head of […]

10/12/2026

We’re hiring!

The Institute for Governance & Civics at Florida State University is seeking a Program Director, Academic and Student Services for the Civics and Liberty Studies degree program.

Responsibilities:
- Leads CLS program design, strategy, and policy; manages project timelines, budgets, and process improvements.
- Drives CLS recruitment, marketing, and communications; advises prospective students.
- Directs CLS student services, advising, and retention efforts; analyzes student success data.
- Serves as the CLS expert on degree requirements and transfer articulation.
- Develops technology solutions, manages internship activities, and analyzes program data.

Job ID: 63665

Learn more and apply: https://jobs.omni.fsu.edu/psc/sprdhr_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=63665&PostingSeq=1

10/09/2026

The Institute for Governance and Civics recently hosted an invitation-only summit, “Revitalizing Western Civilization and Civic Education,” bringing together academic leaders and experts to discuss approaches to Western Civilization, civic education, and the humanities.

The program featured conversations on emerging academic models, civic leadership, intellectual engagement, and new research on public attitudes toward Western Civilization.

Thank you to all who attended.

10/08/2026

A look back at Allison Schrager’s recent discussion on risk, decision-making and navigating uncertainty. Schrager explored common misconceptions about risk and shared insights on how to better measure and manage risk in everyday life.

Thanks to everyone who joined us! We hope to see you at an upcoming event..

Watch the full event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fFow7tqIjo

10/08/2026

Postponement of Saturday’s Colloquium

Due to the anticipated impacts from Hurricane Isaias, which is forecast to make landfall along northern Gulf Coast early Saturday morning, our colloquium scheduled for Saturday, October 10th “250 Years of Liberty: The Enduring Promise of the First Amendment” has been postponed.

We are closely monitoring the storm and its projected path. While we do not currently expect a direct hit to Tallahassee, the effects that it will have on travel for participants to and from the Student Union, we feel this is the appropriate decision for the safety of all involved.

Please make the necessary preparations, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe. We look forward to seeing everyone when this event is rescheduled.

Applications are now open for 250 Years of Liberty: The Enduring Promise of the First Amendment

FSU undergraduate students are invited to apply for this one-day colloquium exploring the intellectual foundations and enduring significance of the First Amendment. Participants will engage with foundational texts, faculty-led discussions, and landmark Supreme Court cases.

Selected students will receive a $500 stipend, reading materials, and all meals.

📅 October 10th, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Banquet Dinner at 6:00 PM)
📍 Senate Chambers
📌 Application Deadline: September 8th, 2026

Apply here: https://igc.fsu.edu/events/250-years-liberty-enduring-promise-first-amendment

10/08/2026

Next week, Araoluwa A., a middle school student from Florida, will compete in the National Civics Bee, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

After earning 3rd place at the Osceola Chamber Regional Bee and 1st place at the Florida State Finals, Araoluwa will represent Florida alongside student representatives from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa.

The competition will take place Wednesday, October 14, from 8–10 p.m. and will be broadcast live on C-SPAN. The winner will receive a $100,000 529 education plan.

Watch the video and learn more about Araoluwa’s story and his National Civics Bee essay on human trafficking:

Hometown: St. Cloud, Florida Competition Host(s): The Osceola Chamber of Commerce and Institute for Governance and Civics, Florida State University Essay Topic: Human Trafficking Araoluwa A. is passionate about helping protect vulnerable individuals and strengthening communities. For his National Ci...

10/05/2026

New from IGC Educational Liberty Fellow Michael Hartney in The 74 .

In his latest op-ed, Hartney explores how Americans respond to changes in the racial composition of schools.

To examine the question, Hartney conducted an experiment using two national surveys of 1,059 U.S. adults sponsored by Florida State University’s Institute for Governance and Civics.

Read the full article:

Hartney: New survey finds Republicans and Democrats support merit-based admissions, but they react very differently depending on which groups benefit.

10/05/2026

Student Essay Competition: Educational Liberty Branch

Full-time FSU undergraduates are invited to apply for our student essay competition.

🏆 $1,500 First Place
🥈 $1,000 Second Place
🥉 $500 Third Place

Deadline: November 6th, 2026

To learn more and submit your essay: https://igc.fsu.edu/awards-opportunities

10/05/2026

New from IGC Director Ryan Owens in the National Review.

In his latest op-ed, Owens examines how public criticism among Supreme Court justices can affect perceptions of the Court’s legitimacy—and why disagreement should focus on legal arguments rather than personal attacks.

Read the full piece:

Mudslinging is unbecoming to the nation’s highest court.