Talking Maize & Blue

Advocating for Inquiry

Through the Talking Maize & Blue program, U-M champions a culture of open inquiry, preparing students to navigate polarization with empathy and courage.

In an era defined by deep ideological divides and a growing distrust in civic institutions, universities have a unique and vital role to play. They are not merely centers of knowledge, but incubators of democratic engagement, tasked with preparing students to navigate a complex world. The University of Michigan's Talking Maize & Blue program stands as a powerful example of a university taking on this urgent responsibility. The program was a direct response to a report by the Principles Committee on Freedom of Expression and Diversity of Thought, which found that widespread fear and self-censorship were hindering the university's truth-seeking function. The initiative is a deliberate and comprehensive effort to cultivate a culture of open inquiry.

Spearheaded by Michael D. Cohen Collegiate Professor of Information, Paul Resnick, the initiative's cornerstone is an interactive online module, which is a requirement for all incoming undergraduate students on the Ann Arbor campus. Designed to be engaging and accessible, the 45-minute module can be completed on a mobile phone. It features a playful quiz that highlights the diversity of thought among students, showcasing that not everyone sees the world in the same way. The module also details the many ways the university promotes open inquiry, both inside and outside the classroom. Resnick emphasized the task force's “user-centered approach” in creating a tool that would be “interactive and not boring.” The goal was to ensure students didn't simply “click through another requirement without taking any of it in."

A key component of the program is the “Michigan PAUSE,” which stands for Pause, Appreciate, Understand, Share, and Explore. The technique is designed to guide individuals through difficult conversations, even when deeply opposing views are at play. Resnick explains that PAUSE encourages partners to fully explore their ideas, helping disagreements become more constructive. The practice traces its roots back about a decade, when Donna Rich Kaplowitz advised an LGBT student club at a public high school. After hearing students describe painful exchanges with family members, she drew from her research on best practices for tough conversations, such as slowing down, listening, de-escalating, taking perspective, and sharing openly. Those skills are challenging to apply when emotions run high, but PAUSE offers a simple and memorable framework that makes starting with the first step more accessible.

The program extends an invitation to the entire university community, including non-students, to pursue ideas with curiosity and courage, regardless of their popularity. The 2025–26 academic year offers a range of opportunities for students to put these skills into practice. Open Inquiry Week, scheduled for October 6-10, will feature a special speaker series and discussions, including a debate on book banning. These events are designed to help students sharpen their critical thinking skills, assess information, and engage in civil discourse on challenging topics.

By equipping students to be both critical thinkers and empathetic citizens, the Talking Maize & Blue initiative demonstrates U-M's profound commitment to its educational mission. It shows that a university’s truest purpose extends beyond simply imparting knowledge; it is to educate for civil society itself. The program is a powerful statement that in a world of increasing polarization, the university can be a force for unity and understanding.