CSS has been hard at work promoting free speech and open inquiry on U.S. college campuses. Today, we come alongside Ivy+ alumni, donors, and dissident faculty to lead our universities back to academic excellence.
Introducing the Ivy Excellence Initiative:
Congratulations to CSS faculty
@Miss_Snuffy
and Michaela Community School for their outstanding rating, “broad and exceptionally rich” curriculum, exceptionally well-prepared students, and "proud and happy" staff!
THIS FRIDAY,
@MrAndyNgo
will share his story at the inaugural Virginia Forum as the investigative journalist who exposed Antifa.
Love free speech and the rule of law? Make your voice heard.
Will we see you there?
London's pro-Palestinian protesters display swastikas in the streets & desecrate monuments – so why are police being so inconsistent?
Join us on 12/7 to discuss disorder in the UK with
@MrAndyNgo
,
@SBarrettBar
& CSS–UK director
@Emma_A_Webb
. Register now:
For over two months, the British people have seen antisemitic rioters fill the streets of London, displaying swastikas and desecrating monuments of national remembrance. Where is the rule of law? Barrister
@SBarrettBar
says this is well beyond the line:
Liberty. Prosperity. Beauty. These ideas change lives everywhere.
Common Sense Society is here to promote and defend them for the 21st century.
Learn how you can join us at
"We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us."
Winston Churchill's words remind us that the art and architecture in our environment matters. We should choose to pursue beauty in these areas because they will inspire beauty within us.
CSS–UK's
@Emma_A_Webb
: Being young and idealistic does not mean we should disregard the principles and values of the leaders who came before us.
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!
#OnThisDay
in 1946, Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" premiered—eventually becoming a holiday classic that inspires audiences to be thankful for what's important in life: family and community.
40K+ farmers in The Netherlands are protesting their government's efforts to shut down their farms. We'd recognize this treatment from a totalitarian state, but from a western "liberal democracy"? CSS President and CEO
@smithmarion
discussed with
@KurtSchlichter
on
@hughhewitt
:
Last month, we hosted
@DouglasKMurray
on a lecture series. His final speech given in Richmond, VA, titled "Uncancelling Richmond's History," is now available on our Youtube. Watch it today:
Antifa and other ideological movements are threatening civil discourse and the rule of law in Virginia. How can we confront these threats and promote the values that make our communities thrive?
We'll discuss with
@MrAndyNgo
at the Virginia Forum:
"They may delay spring, but they can't stop it."
In Cuba's fight for freedom, activist
@rosamariapaya
is working courageously to inform and mobilize protesters on the island and in the U.S. Learn more about
@Cubadecide
's incredible work:
Last week,
@MrAndyNgo
joined CSS–UK to share more information about Hizb Ut-Tahrir and their radical behavior on the streets of London. Watch the full recording here:
"There's so much energy in people really wanting to be involved with what we're doing."
CSS–UK director
@Emma_A_Webb
sat down with
@Nigel_Farage
this week to talk about Common Sense Society's work in the U.K. and around the world to promote liberty, prosperity, and beauty.
Heading into the new year, we’re thankful for the liberties we enjoy in free, prosperous societies, and we commit to stewarding those liberties to educate 21st century generations and advocate for captive peoples from Cuba to Hong Kong.
We look forward to hearing from the courageous
@MrAndyNgo
alongside our friends
@VA_Council
at the inaugural Virginia Forum in Richmond next month.
RSVP today:
If you're following current events, you might ask: is the West worth defending? Join us on May 12 for a timely discussion with bestselling authors, the Edmund Burke Foundation's
@yhazony
and
@Spectator
's
@DouglasKMurray
. Find out more and RSVP:
4/ The Scruton Prize is named in honor of Sir Roger Scruton (1944-2020) who was a celebrated professor, philosopher of aesthetics, and prolific author and was founding advisor for Common Sense Society.
The U.K. Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda Plan spells catastrophe for the conservatives. CSS’s
@Emma_A_Webb
writes in
@Telegraph
this week that far from sacking Suella Braverman, Rishi should have followed her lead.
For 24 years, the "Pillar of Shame" stood at
@HKUniversity
's entrance as a memorial to victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Communist authorities ordered its removal, but dissidents are creating a digital 3D archive to preserve this symbol of liberty.
What an honor to be joined by so many members and distinguished guests to celebrate liberty, prosperity, and beauty at our Conference and Gala. Did you know it is now available on
@CSPAN
?
The people of the UK showed a watching world that tradition and ceremony surrounding the Monarchy matter—shaping British national identity and contributing to a seamless (and beautiful) transition of power. We have a duty to preserve them says CSS–UK director
@Emma_A_Webb
on
@GMB
Is it time for a modern monarchy?
The death of Queen Elizabeth II led to one of the grandest state funerals but there are reports King Charles wants a smaller & less expensive coronation ceremony.
Emma Webb says it's 'important for the British people to see a full coronation'.
"Because if Twitter has become the public square then — for good or ill — it needs to be open, transparent and, yes, free as a bird."
@DouglasKMurray
on why defending
#freespeech
on Twitter is essential. What do you think of his argument? Let us know!
Have you subscribed to our email list yet? Join us as we celebrate beauty through art, music, architecture, nature, and everyday life.
#worldarchitecturemonth
#OnThisDay
in 1809, Louis Braille was born. He lost his sight in an accident as a child, but at 11 years old began developing a system of writing and reading. His innovation opened up a new world for himself and the blind community to experience liberty, prosperity, and beauty.
We are excited to announce that applications are open for the 2023 Caledonia Fellowship.
From 9/10 - 9/15, Caledonia Fellows will explore the thinkers and ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment at historic Carberry Tower in East Lothian, Scotland.
Deadline to apply is 5/20.
One year ago, tens of thousands of Cubans participated in the
#11J
protests, chanting "Freedom", "We are not afraid", and "Down with Communism."
The communist govt responded with violence, arresting and sentencing 550+ for participating in or even documenting the protests.
On Thursday, Dec. 7 at 2 pm ET, I am speaking at a free live virtual event about the protests that have been happening on the streets of London since the Hamas terror attacks in October. I've witnessed Islamic fundamentalism & violence. RSVP here:
#OTD
in 1843, English author Charles Dickens published
#AChristmasCarol
, a familiar yet powerful story that challenges us to have tough, introspective conversations and to become more generous—for individual and communal benefit.
“Museums shouldn’t be constantly reinterpreted with the present. Ideology guides you away from the truth.” - Emma Webb, director of CSS-UK
Our panel at the
#BattleofIdeasFestival
in London is inspiring thoughtful conversations on art & cancel culture.
'This is an important piece of legislation that would go a long way to protecting people in universities...the point of a university ceases to exist without free speech.'
Emma Webb welcomes Rishi Sunak's plan to appoint a free speech tsar to protect open debate at universities.
U.S. President Reagan recognized that there could be no prosperity for those behind the Iron Curtain without liberty. The human spirit thrives when we can voluntarily associate, cooperate, exchange, and discuss ideas.
The captive Cuban people are suffering under Havana's brutal communist regime. The chant that echoes across Havana is "libertad," which the Cuban government for 60 years has denied. We stand with the freedom-loving people of Cuba.
#sosCUBA
#PatriaYVida
#CubaLibre
We're tired of being told some topics are off-limits. Aren't you? Sign up for info on panels, seminars, and more so we can actually discuss the future of our nation.
Register today for the Common Sense Conference and Gala where we will hear from Cuban human rights activist
@RosaMariaPaya
, founder of
@CubaDecide
and recipient of the Common Sense Courage Award. Find out more here:
"It became obvious to me ... that we could bring our differences and similarities to the table. And that would be really exciting to do."
Enjoy a few highlights from our 2022 Europa Fellowship, held at the Károlyi Castle in Fehérvárcsurgó, Hungary.
We are excited to announce that
@smithmarion
has been named President & CEO of Common Sense Society. His commitment to both “ideas & action” is what we need to champion Liberty, Prosperity & Beauty for the next generation.
We are honored to be joined by
@jordanbpeterson
, keynote speaker at our upcoming conference in Palm Beach, FL. We will award him the inaugural Sir Roger Scruton Prize for his courageous work defending and advancing academic freedom. Register today:
Freedom of expression is not just another 'freedom' to be listed alongside others. The ability to speak one’s conscience and to debate ideas openly is the cornerstone of all freedom. — Mr. Thomas Peterffy on growing up in communist Hungary.
@barronsonline
To our members, alumni, and friends, thank you for an amazing year.
We cannot wait to share what 2023 has in store.
Watch some highlights from 2022 below!
Prosperity is about people, not just material things. It's about an individual's drive to improve the quality of their life and the lives of others. Learn more about how we view
#prosperity
and why it's an essential part of happy, thriving societies:
Is it now countercultural to defend enduring principles?
We're working alongside our members and alumni to preserve and cultivate the ideas that make human flourishing and freedom possible.
CSS–UK's
@Emma_A_Webb
explains on
@thecoastguy
:
CSS is partnering with
@CLT_Exam
and
@TPPF
this February in Austin at the 2022 Texas Summit for Classical Education! We look forward to engaging with educators on classical and civics education, innovative models, school leadership development, and more.
Free speech is essential to the flourishing of the arts—or so CSS–UK director
@Emma_A_Webb
argued at this year's
#BattleOfIdeas
.
What do you think? Let's discuss in the comments below!
Making summer plans? Check out CSS' fellowship programs—held in both Europe and North America—which offer young professionals the opportunity to study the principles of liberty, prosperity, and beauty in a thoughtful, social, and invigorating environment.
Today, a significant piece of civic art was taken out of Virginia and melted.
@VA_Council
’s
@JohnReidUSA
: “Melting this historic statue helps no one, improves life for no one, and heals absolutely nothing. It is simply an act of vengeance … an ominous warning to anyone who
"Only a weak and sick society allows this to happen ...
@VA_Council
calls on civic leaders, political leaders, and leaders in the art community to denounce this reprehensible act."
Full statement from The Virginia Council founding chairman
@JohnReidUSA
:
What is the relationship between the sphere of freedom and the sphere of personal responsibility? What do you think of Sir Roger Scruton's quote? Let us know in the comments below!
#College
students—applications are open for our Common Sense College Grants! The
#grants
challenge two or more organizations who have conflicting perspectives to come together and host an event that will benefit their shared community.
Apply by Oct. 13:
We are proud to announce
@DouglasKMurray
as a Common Sense Society Fellow. Douglas has been a fearless advocate for the Western values that make us who we are and a crucial voice against the self-destructive tendencies gripping our societies.
We're looking forward to an engaging discussion between the Edmund Burke Foundation's
@yhazony
and
@Spectator
's
@DouglasKMurray
this week as they seek to answer: is the West worth defending?
Find out more and join us:
This morning, Ms. Wally Funk made history as the oldest person in space at 82 years old. This completed a 60-year journey for Funk, as she was 1 of 13 women selected for
@NASA
's "Mercury 13" program in 1959, which was canceled before take-off.
"It seems that in those countries where Scruton went behind the Iron Curtain, his work and life is not just remembered, he is still actively saving minds."
Read CSS alumnus Daniel Pitt on the legacy of Sir Roger Scruton:
A new and fuller understanding of environmental, social, and corporate-governance factors is needed—one that accounts for the moral distinction between freedom and tyranny.
Read
@smithmarion
in
@NRCapMatters
on
#ESG
:
1/ Free speech is under threat.
What does this tell us about the future of Western civilization? Is the university no longer a marketplace of ideas?
CSS is proud to announce our Campus Event Series ft.
@DouglasKMurray
bestselling author and associate editor of
@spectator
.
Our October Figure of the Month is economist and social theorist Dr. Thomas Sowell, known for his extensive writings on race, education, decision-making, and economics. Follow us on Instagram as we discuss the principles, themes, and lessons explored in his life and works!
President Kennedy was resolute in his opposition of communism. What would it take for us to recognize the threat the marxist ideas pose today and stand resolute against them?
Let us know in the comments below!
We were honored to partner with
@Scruton_Legacy
and Lady Scruton in the creation of The Sir Roger Scruton Prize, and to present it to
@jordanbpeterson
at our recent Gala. Hear his full remarks here:
Over the past decade, we have been part of some amazing opportunities to gather together, discuss the state of our nations, and define our
#FutureOfFreedom
. Looking forward to the next 10 years of promoting liberty, prosperity, and beauty.
What is the price of peaceful protest in communist Cuba? For Armando Sardiñas Figueredo, it was 10 days in prison, the loss of his job, and "ten months of deprivation of liberty subsidized by correctional work with internment."
#JailedForWhat
#CubaLibre
Announcing our 2022 Europa fellows! We look forward to returning to the historic Károlyi Castle in Hungary to explore liberty, prosperity, and beauty in the context of European culture. Find out more about our fellows, faculty, and upcoming opportunities:
By living in America, we have access to basic liberties that we enjoy each day without thought.
#Thanksgiving
is a chance to reflect on them and give thanks for what we have.
We hope you will help us share the importance of gratitude this season.
#HappyThanksgiving
to all!
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for the Common Sense Conference and Gala at the historic Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida! Find out more about speakers and schedule at .
Keep freedom of speech and civil discourse alive on your campus with a Common Sense College Grant. Learn more and apply to receive up to $2,000 for your organization:
1/ Applications are now open for our 2023 fellowships:
🇺🇸 Carolina Fellowship: 7/30-8/4
🇭🇺 Europa Fellowship: 8/20-8/25
🏴 Caledonia Fellowship: 10/10-10/15
Each fellowship offers young professionals the unique opportunity to study with leading thinkers around the world.
We're pleased to announce that Prof.
@nfergus
will deliver the keynote address at our annual gala. Join us as we celebrate liberty, prosperity, and beauty in Palm Beach, Florida:
There's still time to join us and The Jefferson Council tomorrow at
@UVA
for an evening of discussion with Heather Mac Donald (
@HMDatMI
), contributing editor of
@CityJournal
and
@nytimes
bestselling author. Learn more & RSVP:
Did you know America is the most charitable country in the world? Last year, Americans donated $471 billion to charity—and our national trend of giving dates back throughout history. Head to our Instagram for more stats on American giving:
Over 41 million Americans have served in the armed forces. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect the liberty they've won for us. Thank you to all who have served our great country.
#veteransday
Join us on Jan. 28, 2022 at
@TheBreakers
for the Common Sense Society Conference and Gala, honoring those who inspire human flourishing and celebrating liberty, prosperity, and beauty. Find details on tickets and sponsorship opportunities at
1/ Advocating for the fine arts is essential to defending liberty, prosperity, and beauty.
That's why we're opening the Common Sense Society Art Studio.
1/ On Christmas Eve, 1941, U.S. President Franklin
#Roosevelt
and British Prime Minister Winston
#Churchill
stood on the balcony of the White House and addressed a gathering of 10,000 people.
What defines a nation? Borders? A shared history? Traditions, songs, costumes, a way of life? What are the consequences when
#globalism
tries to erase them?
We’re discussing this and more over on Substack. Subscribe today!