Knox College Hosts Cornel West and Robert P. George for Civil Disagreement Discussion

The event aims to model constructive dialogue across deep political divides.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Knox College will host a free public discussion on Thursday featuring prominent progressive intellectual Cornel West and leading conservative scholar Robert P. George. The event, moderated by Professor Thomas Bell, will showcase how the two have built a friendship despite their deep differences on politics, race, and economics. The discussion is the flagship event for Knox's Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue, launched in 2024 to teach students and the community skills for deliberative democracy.

Why it matters

In an era of heightened political polarization, the event aims to demonstrate that civil discourse and truth-seeking can still happen through contestation, not avoidance. Knox College hopes the discussion will encourage attendees from diverse viewpoints to engage with those they disagree with in a constructive manner.

The details

West and George's book, "Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division," highlights how their unlikely friendship can serve as a model for civil disagreement. The event will feature a moderated conversation between the two, followed by an audience Q&A session. It is being held at Central Congregational Church on the Public Square in Downtown Galesburg, a location that adds resonance given the church's history as an abolitionist congregation.

  • The event will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Cornel West

A prominent progressive intellectual.

Robert P. George

A leading conservative scholar from Princeton University.

Thomas Bell

An associate professor at Knox College who will moderate the discussion.

Andrew McGadney

The president of Knox College.

Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue

An institute launched by Knox College in 2024 to teach students and the community skills for deliberative democracy.

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What they’re saying

“Meet some new folks that you disagree with, but you can still go have a cup of coffee with afterwards.”

— Andrew McGadney, President, Knox College

“Truth-seeking comes through contestation, not avoidance.”

— Thomas Bell, Associate Professor, Knox College

What’s next

The discussion is the flagship event for Knox's Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue, which aims to continue hosting similar events and programs to promote civil discourse and deliberative democracy in the community.

The takeaway

In an era of heightened political polarization, the Knox College event demonstrates that it is still possible for individuals with deep ideological differences to engage in constructive dialogue and model civil disagreement. The discussion highlights the importance of truth-seeking through contestation rather than avoidance, and encourages attendees to seek out opportunities to engage with those they disagree with in a respectful manner.