The Swarthmore Discussion Group (SDG) presents exceptional speakers on timely topics in a social setting that encourages stimulating discussion. In doing so, SDG enriches the lives and friendships of its members and enhances a sense of community among Swarthmore College alumni, students, their families, nearby residents, and other friends. Our speakers are distinguished scholars, community leaders, and field experts. Following their presentations on topics including politics, foreign affairs, economics, culture, and social issues, they welcome questions from and discussions with and among members.
The Spring 2026 Series membership registration is $199 for four lectures, including catered dinners. Payment is due by Jan. 14. Space may be available for individual talks ($59 each). Contact sdg@swarthmore.edu for more information.
Schedule:
5:15 - 6 p.m. (optional) Happy Hour
6 p.m. Dinner
7 - 8:00 p.m. Talk and Q&A
January 21
Immigration, Deportation, and Birthright Citizenship in the Second Trump Administration
Rogers M. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania, and Carol Nackenoff, Richter Professor of Political Science Emerita, Swarthmore College
President Trump launched his second term by issuing executive orders removing migrants from the U.S., authorizing agents to enter formerly safe spaces, suspending refugee programs, halting most immigration from Latin America, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, and prospectively denying birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized aliens. Two senior scholars of American immigration and citizenship policies discuss the legality, ideology, and impacts of these dramatic initiatives.
February 11
You Can't Say That: American Higher Education and the War on Free Speech
Jonathan Zimmerman, Professor of education and history, University of Pennsylvania
The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel triggered a new set of contradictions around free speech on American campuses. On the political right, the same people who formerly condemned universities as hostile to free speech demanded new restrictions on allegedly hateful statements. Meanwhile, left-wing voices who had demanded checks on hate speech became zealous advocates for protecting those same statements. This talk examines how we arrived at this frenzied moment and suggests a new way forward.
March 18
Dictators and Diplomats: Orchestral Conducting Past and Present
Andrew Hauze ’04, Senior Lecturer in Music, Swarthmore College
Orchestral conducting is a profession often shrouded in mystery. From baton-throwing tyrants to cordial collaborators, the role of the conductor has significantly evolved over the last 150 years. But what does a conductor do? Are conductors really necessary? Who is given such power? Together, we’ll examine questions of musical interpretation, power, gender, race, and conductors in popular culture, from Bugs Bunny and Fantasia to Maestro and Tár.
April 15
Can Political Empathy Help De-polarize our Politics?
Lia Howard, Director of the Political Empathy Lab at the University of Pennsylvania
The Political Empathy Lab at the University of Pennsylvania explores how to build dialogue across today’s sharp political differences. A practice called “democratic listening” has shown great promise when used by UPenn students on multiple trips to communities across Pennsylvania. Having trained and led students on those trips, Prof. Howard will report on what they learned and what their experiences tell us about reducing political polarization.
Registration is no longer available because the registration deadline has passed.