Talking Maize and Blue

Talking Maize & Blue is the University of Michigan's bold experiment in fostering authentic dialogue and intellectual courage across our campus community. In an era of increasing polarization and declining trust in democratic institutions, this initiative equips students, faculty, and staff with the tools to pursue ideas with curiosity—even when those ideas are unpopular, flawed, or challenge prevailing beliefs.

At the heart of the program is a required online module for all incoming Ann Arbor undergraduate students, featuring interactive elements like a playful quiz that demonstrates how Wolverines don't all think alike and an introduction to the "Michigan PAUSE"—a technique that helps conversation partners explore their ideas fully, even amid disagreement. This foundation prepares students to engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives throughout their Michigan experience.

Beyond orientation, Talking Maize & Blue creates multiple touchpoints for the campus community to practice open inquiry. Students participate in events that celebrate intellectual diversity, learn techniques for making disagreements productive rather than polarizing, and develop skills for navigating complex workplace and civic challenges. The program culminates each fall with Open Inquiry Week, featuring concentrated programming that asks essential questions about authentic dialogue, intellectual courage, and respectful exchange in our current context.

This initiative operationalizes the University of Michigan's 2024 statement of principles on diversity of thought and free expression, demonstrating that equity, inclusion, and vibrant intellectual debate are mutually reinforcing. Through collaboration across multiple university units—from faculty and libraries to dining halls and Student Life—Talking Maize & Blue is institutionalizing pluralism at scale, preparing Wolverines to be both critical thinkers and empathetic citizens in an increasingly complex world.