James_Nov-Dec_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 34
thought within our system. We
envision a program that integrates
science and technology with civic
education, ensuring that our graduates are prepared to address the
complex ethical and policy challenges of the future. Georgia Tech
has already stepped forward to
help us imagine what could become
an Institute for Technology and
Civic Leadership— a hub for evidence-based solutions, open debate
and ethical leadership.
Albert Einstein is thought to
have once said, “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” As
we race forward with innovations
in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and other fields, that observation feels more relevant than ever.
Human wisdom must keep pace
with technological progress. Teaching our students to think critically
about the implications of science
and innovation— and to do so with
humility and respect for others’ perspectives— may be one of the most
important tasks of higher education
in the 21st century.
That’s why I’m so proud of the
Regents Cup. This year’s participants reminded me that our students are not only capable of this
kind of discourse, they’re eager for
it. They want to be heard, yes, but
they also want to understand. They
crave opportunities to sharpen their
skills, exchange ideas and test their
own assumptions against those of
others. And when given the chance,
they rise to the occasion.
Across USG’s 26 public colleges
and universities, we remain committed to protecting academic freedom while fostering safe, respectful
environments for learning. That balance is not easy, but it’s essential.
Free expression without respect
loses its purpose. Respect without
free expression loses its meaning.
Our democracy depends on both.
As chancellor, I’m grateful to
the Board of Regents for standing
firmly behind these values. I’m
proud of the students who participated in this year’s debate. And
I am optimistic about the culture
we’re building together— one in
which students not only advocate
for their ideas, but also learn to value the voices of others.
At a time when division and
polarization dominate headlines,
it may seem like civil debate is
in short supply. That’s why the
lesson of the Regents Cup is clear:
civil debate is not just an academic exercise. It’s a cornerstone of
citizenship. The more we nurture
it on our campuses, the stronger
our communities, our state and our
nation will be.
Sonny Perdue, the 81st governor of Georgia
and 31st U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, is now
Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.
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