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The Longest Table continues to extend. 

Approximately 550 undergraduate and graduate students from WashU convened in Tisch Park on Sept. 3 for the yearly civic dialogue event — a nearly fourfold increase since its inauguration in 2023. Supported by the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, the Longest Table is exactly that — an exceptionally long table where students enjoy a meal, forge new connections, and delve into the issues that affect their lives.

Stephanie Kurtzman, the Peter G. Sortino executive director of the Gephardt Institute, expressed that the event’s triumph demonstrates that students at Washington University in St. Louis are dedicated to fostering a culture that promotes mutual understanding and appreciates diverse viewpoints. This year’s theme was “advancing through uncertain times.”

“Participants in the Longest Table share commonalities: We’re all members of the WashU community, and we’re all maneuvering through a period of swift transformation,” Kurtzman explained. “Especially during times of transition and ambiguity, it’s essential to cultivate a robust social fabric that encourages respectful listening, learning, and perspective-sharing. We aspire for this experience to aid our WashU community in strengthening our collective ability — and dedication — to ongoing civic learning and dialogue.”

At one table, students acknowledged that they often hesitate to address contentious topics, even among friends. “What’s the benefit?” inquired one participant. “I want to avoid damaging my relationships,” added another.

“But what are the rewards?” probed Matt DeVoll, senior assistant dean in Arts & Sciences and one of 56 facilitators who directed the small-group discussions.

“Comprehension,” replied Isaiah Cooper, a first-year Beyond Boundaries pre-med student. “Though I’ve only been here a brief time, I’ve already encountered many individuals with backgrounds distinct from my own. I aspire to gain the confidence to engage in discussions with those who are different from me and to enhance my listening skills, for that is how one learns.”

The Longest Table was co-organized by the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy within Arts & Sciences; the Center for Diversity & Inclusion; the “Dialogue Across Difference” initiative; the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity; and the Office of Institutional Equity.

Organizers envision students engaging with additional civic involvement opportunities. The Gephardt Institute’s Civic Cafe series showcases civic leaders and experts, occurring weekly on Wednesday evenings. “Dialogue Across Difference” facilitates 3rd Friday Dialogues at noon and an eight-week course aimed at teaching undergraduate students how to navigate challenging topics like politics, religion, race, and gender. The fall class commences on Oct. 13. WashU also provides various courses and programs, such as the Civil Society Initiative and the Frick Initiative, which advocate for free speech and civic education.

“I’m optimistic that this dialogue, this conversation, this table will keep expanding,” Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs, conveyed to students. “You have taken this significant step to declare, ‘I am willing to engage in dialogue, to listen, to participate, and to, indeed, express what I think, feel, and believe.’”

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