Economist and author Glenn Loury joined Vice Provost Angela Dillard for a packed conversation during Open Inquiry Week, kicking off the How to Speak Your Mind / How to Change Your Mind speaker series.
Together they examined self-censorship—not as a legal issue, but as a social one—and explored how fear of professional or social consequences shapes what people are willing to say publicly. Loury emphasized that responsible discourse isn’t about speaking without restraint, but about cultivating the judgment to know when a truth matters most, and the courage to voice it.
Students left with practical insight on navigating disagreement in academic and professional life—skills central to the mission of Open Inquiry Week.
Watch the full conversation below.
Open Inquiry Week invites the Michigan community to practice exploring ideas with curiosity and courage, building the capacity to disagree well while strengthening both ideas and relationships.