Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BY RANDY BOYD

University of Tennessee

During the pre-election days, our country once again found itself navigating moments of intense debate and polarizing rhetoric. With issues that stir our passions and shape our future, it’s natural to feel the weight of this time. But at the University of Tennessee, we are reminded of a guiding light that transcends partisanship – a beacon that calls us to rise above division and to honor the values that hold us together as a community, a state and a nation. 

This beacon shines brightly from the University of Tennessee’s Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, where the legacy of Sen. Howard Baker, a UT Knoxville alum, reminds us of the principles that can bridge even the deepest divides. Known for his wisdom, humility and extraordinary capacity to find common ground, Sen. Baker was a master of bringing people together in times of discord. His steady temperament and unyielding belief in reasoned compromise made him a leader for all people, regardless of political beliefs.

Today, the Institute of American Civics at the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs stands as a testament to his legacy, dedicated to fostering civil discourse, ethical leadership and civic education. Its purpose is more than just academic; it is a call to action for each of us to participate in democracy with respect, understanding and a willingness to listen. As UT strives to be a beacon of light for civil discourse, we also remember our shared responsibility to create spaces for constructive dialogue, where ideas can be challenged respectfully and opinions can be expressed peacefully.

Throughout this election season, it is crucial to remember that we are neighbors, friends and family – first and foremost. We may vote differently, advocate for different policies, or hold varying visions for the future. However, like Sen. Baker, we all share a commitment to the principles that make our nation resilient. Our democracy flourishes not because we always agree but because we commit to engaging in ways that honor each other’s voices and perspectives.

At UT, we recognize the profound influence we have on students who will one day lead communities, drive innovation and shape public policy. In the spirit of Sen. Baker’s leadership, we aim to instill in them the importance of understanding both sides of an issue and finding a pathway forward – one that values reasoned compromise and fosters understanding. Our charge is to educate future generations who are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the humility and empathy needed to sustain a civil society.

As Tennesseans and as members of this UT family, let’s take to heart the example set by Sen. Baker. Let’s challenge each other peacefully, disagree respectfully and always come together in pursuit of the greater good. This is not merely an election cycle but an opportunity to uphold the ideals we hold dear and strengthen the bonds that unite us as one community.

So as you head to the polls, remember that no matter the outcome, we are stronger together. In our unity, may we carry forward the legacy of Sen. Baker – a legacy that lights the way for all who believe in the power of collaboration and the promise of a brighter, united future.

(Randy Boyd serves as president of the University of Tennessee and formerly was a candidate for governor.)