»About Or Initiative
Or Initiative is a new program dedicated to generating new ways for young people to engage across
complex and deeply divisive political issues.
Grounded in the belief that youth are not problems to be solved but partners in developing
a civil and civic society, Or Initiative’s work begins with a focus on the Middle
East conflict and how it influences how Americans treat each other, including rising
U.S.-based antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Or Initiative works across middle school, high school, and college settings to create
developmentally appropriate resources that support educators in providing students
with the historical context, critical thinking, digital discernment, and civil discourse
skills needed to navigate polarized, digitized information environments and engage
in peer discussions with empathy and respect.
By supporting educators with new classroom resources and professional development
opportunities, university-based teaching and events, and regular convenings at Chapman
University for researchers, educators, students, ed tech developers, and other stakeholders,
the Or Initiative is building new pathways for young people to understand one another
and the complex world they are inheriting.
Or Initiative is led by
Dr. VikkiKatz, Professor and Fletcher Jones Foundation Endowed Chair in Free Speech, in the School
of Communication at Chapman University.
