Education Across our Divides with Rick Hess

Thu Feb 19 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm UTC-05:00

University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Karen J. Williams Courtroom | Columbia

USC, College of Arts and Sciences
Publisher/HostUSC, College of Arts and Sciences
Education Across our Divides with Rick Hess
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The Civic Center is pleased to present "Education Across our Divides: A Civil Conversation about K-12,
Campuses and Common Ground."
About this Event

"Education Across our Divides: A Civil Conversation about K-12, Campuses and Common Ground"
We are pleased to welcome Rick Hess for an evening discussion on February 19 at 6 p.m. in the Karen J. Williams Courtroom at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law. Hess is the author of Education Week’s iconic blog “Rick Hess Straight Up” and Education Next’s popular series “Old School with Rick Hess.”

Rick Hess will discuss the intersection of law, civics, and the classroom in this important cultural moment. His extensive experience as a commentator on educational policy is characterized by straight talk and practical thinking.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested.

This event is co-hosted by the USC College of Education, the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, and the Constitutional Law Center at the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law.

About Rick Hess

Hess is a senior fellow and the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Rick’s books include Spinning Wheels, Common Sense School Reform, Education Unbound, Cage-Busting Leadership, Letters to a Young Education Reformer, A Search for Common Ground and The Great School Rethink. He’s an executive editor of Education Next, a contributing editor to National Review, and the founder and chair of AEI’s Conservative Education Reform Network. A one-time high school social studies teacher, he has also taught at the University of Virginia, Harvard, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, Rice and Georgetown. He holds a Ph.D. in politics and an M.Ed. in teaching and curriculum from Harvard University.

About The Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse

Our center brings together scholars, thought leaders, and community members throughout South Carolina and beyond to address critical challenges facing our state and nation. Through events, publications and academic programs, we will help South Carolina students and community members develop the skills required for civic leadership.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law; Karen J. Williams Courtroom, 1525 Senate Street, Columbia, United States

Tickets

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