Disagree Better Book Club
Inspired by Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s initiative through the National Governor’s Association (NGA), Utah State University’s Disagree Better Book Club will bring together ten (10) faculty and staff members to discuss a common reading each month of the fall and spring semesters.
Objectives
Utah State’s Disagree Better Book Club brings people together and provides learning opportunities to accomplish the following:
- Understand the roots of political disagreement and partisanship.
- Foster open debate and free expression in higher education.
- Teach about healthy conflict.
By coming together to discuss the roots of political disagreement and partisanship, the Disagree Better Book Club ensures that USU faculty and staff comprehend the nature of healthy debate and conflict, all while stressing our core values of mutual respect, civil discourse, advocacy, accountability, responsibility, and community.
Disagree Better Book Club Selections
We have selected the following books for the Disagree Better Book Club for the Fall 2024 semester:
“Whatever It Is, I’m Against It” Resistance to Change in Higher Education
We are pleased to team up with Empowering Teaching Excellence (ETE) for this Disagree Better Book Club.
Registration Opening Soon
Surviving the Islamic State: Contention, Cooperation, and Neutrality in Wartime Iraq
We are pleased to team up with the Heravi Peace Institute for this Disagree Better Book Club.
Registration Opening Soon
Little Book of Restorative Justice in Education: Fostering Responsibility, Healing, and Hope in Schools
We are pleased to team up with USU’s Staff Employee Association for this Disagree Better Book Club.
Registration Opening Soon
Apply
- Click on the “Register” buttons above to register for the Disagree Better Book Club selection(s) you would like to participate in.
- Select which time(s) work best for your schedule.
We have two meeting options for each book selection. We are able to accept the first ten (10) faculty or staff members who sign up for each selection.
About Dr. Babits
Dr. Chris Babits (he/him/his) is the Director of Education and Professional Learning for Inclusive Excellence. Chris is a trained historian whose research examines the historical development of conversion therapy in the United States. He has taught courses in teacher education, history, intersectional gender studies, psychology, and participatory action research. Chris brings more than 20 years of experience working to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in secondary schools and higher education.
Discussion Guides for Past Disagree Better Book Clubs
These discussion guides were created for past selections of the Disagree Better Book Club.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Disagree Better Book Club, please contact Dr. Chris Babits at chris.babits@usu.edu.