- October, 9, 2025
- 4 min.
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Dr. Danielle Allen, acclaimed political theorist, author, and Harvard University professor, visited Curry College as the featured guest of the semiannual President’s Speaker Series.
Freedom for All
During her talk with President Jay Gonzalez, Dr. Allen delved into the philosophical foundations of the Declaration of Independence, noting excerpts from her published book, Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality, urging Curry students, faculty, and staff in the audience to reconsider it not merely as a document of liberty, but as a profound argument for political equality and shared responsibility. The conversation was especially fitting as the nation nears the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
She emphasized that at its core, the Declaration is not solely about individual liberty, but about the political equality necessary to secure freedom for all. “Freedom and equality work hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other,” she noted. Allen traced the evolution of key phrases like “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” which falls under her favorite excerpt from the Declaration, explaining how the founders intentionally moved away from property and status to highlight a shared responsibility for collective well-being.
Engaging with Students
Before her public discussion, Dr. Allen met with students in the President’s Leadership Program (PLP), engaging in a thoughtful conversation on civic responsibility, political equality, and the transformative nature of learning.
The PLP is a strategic initiative at Curry that prepares students for a life of leadership, civic responsibility, and career success through a range of activities, workshops, and events. The PLP is made up of a highly selective group of talented, driven, compassionate, and accomplished students and is designed to inspire and foster leaders of tomorrow. Students are chosen based on past achievements, creative accomplishments, and demonstrated leadership in academic or community spaces.
Dr. Allen engaged in meaningful discussion with members of the President's Leadership Program.
Each semester, PLP students have the advantage of networking with prominent civic leaders, like Dr. Allen.
Dr. Allen urged student-leaders to imagine themselves as problem-solvers and builders.
Advocating for Democratic Renovation
In her intimate conversation with Curry student leaders, Dr. Allen spoke about the urgent need for what she calls “democratic renovation,” a renewal of both civic responsibility and the institutions that serve the public. She encouraged students to see themselves not only as scholars, but as active stewards of democracy. “Renovation takes all of us,” she said, emphasizing that meaningful change begins with understanding our power and responsibility as citizens. She urged students to imagine themselves as problem-solvers and builders, reminding them that democracy depends not on any one leader, but on the collective agency of an engaged public, and reminded them that the Declaration is their inheritance, a gift, from prior generations.
Dr. Danielle AllenEvery single one of you is such a beautiful, kind soul. First, trust your own powers of observation and understanding, don’t let others second guess you. Secondly, learn how to listen to others. We are all better off because we share what we notice with each other.
- 4 min.
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