Discussions
Moderated small-group conversations guided by our four discussion norms. Students from across the ideological spectrum work together to understand the various sides of an issue, not to win.
Events
What we do.
At BridgeColumbia, we seek to build a community in which constructive disagreement and open discussion can thrive. We host a series of events meant to strengthen the Bridge community and introduce our members to diverse perspectives.
Types of Events
Interactive Forums
Jubilee-inspired formats — political spectrums, middle grounds, and other structured exercises that get participants moving, talking, and rethinking their assumptions in real time.
Socials
Low-stakes gatherings that build the trust and friendships that make hard conversations possible. From coffee chats to game nights, socials are where the coalition comes together off-hours.
Expert Panels
Scholars, practitioners, and journalists in conversation with each other on complex topics. Panels model rigorous, good-faith engagement across disciplinary and ideological lines.
Debates
We co-host debates with other Columbia student groups so members can hear nuanced perspectives from ideologically diverse peers who share expertise but disagree on the substance.
Speakers
BridgeColumbia invites speakers with unique experiences and viewpoints to campus — experts in current events, advocates for constructive discourse, and figures who challenge our assumptions.
Networking Events
Alumni mixers, faculty dinners, and cross-organization meet-ups that connect Bridge students with mentors, employers, and the broader civic-dialogue community.
Fall 2026 programming will be announced soon.
April 24, 2026•BridgeColumbia
Picnic Party!
Club social
Our final event of the year — an outdoor picnic on the Math Lawns to close out the semester with the coalition.
3:00 – 5:00 PM Math Lawns
April 21, 2026•BridgeColumbia
Do Billionaires Have a Responsibility to Give Away Most of Their Wealth?
Open discussion
A discussion on wealth, philanthropy, and moral obligation — do the ultra-wealthy owe society most of their fortunes, or is that the wrong question entirely?
8:30 PM Hamilton 511
April 15, 2026•BridgeColumbia × CU Democrats × CU Republicans
CU Dems Debate CU Republicans
Cross-aisle student debate
A high-profile campus debate between Columbia University Democrats and Republicans covering immigration, healthcare, foreign policy, the economy, and the federal bureaucracy.
8:00 PM Pupin 301
April 14, 2026•BridgeColumbia · Expert Panel
The Future of Public Health
Alexander Preker · Paul Wilson · Safura Abdool-Karim
Leading experts on global health innovation, the UN Millennium Project, and the Africa Health and Human Rights Network in conversation on the future of public health.
8:30 – 9:30 PM Pupin 329
April 7, 2026•BridgeColumbia
Can We Separate the Art from the Artist?
Open discussion
In response to Kanye West's new album — can we separate the art from the artist? A conversation on aesthetics, ethics, and where fans should (and shouldn't) draw the line.
8:30 PM Hamilton 309
March 28 – 29, 2026•BridgeColumbia · Bridge chapters across the Northeast
Bridge the Northeast
Columbia · NYU · Rutgers · UConn · Dartmouth · StonyBrook · UNH
Our multi-day regional summit uniting Bridge chapters across the Northeast — offsite social picnic, political minigames, and a Jubilee-inspired political spectrum activity.
Multi-day Riverside Park + Earl Hall Auditorium
March 27, 2026•BridgeColumbia × The David Network
The War in Iran: Justified Deterrence or Unnecessary Intervention?
Open discussion
A cross-organization discussion with The David Network on the war in Iran — justified deterrence, unnecessary intervention, or something in between?
Evening Columbia University
March 10, 2026•BridgeColumbia
A Path Forward? Exploring USA–Iran Dynamics
Moderated small-group discussion
A discussion event unpacking the history, current stakes, and possible diplomatic paths between the United States and Iran.
8:30 – 9:30 PM Hamilton 511
March 3, 2026•BridgeColumbia
Weight in a Polarized Culture: Medical Issue vs. Social Issue?
Open discussion
A discussion on weight in America — is it a medical issue, a social issue, or both? A conversation about the science, culture, and politics behind one of the most personal debates in public life.
8:30 PM Hamilton 511
February 17, 2026•BridgeColumbia × CU Undergraduate Law Review × Black Pre-Law Society × Athena Pre-Law Society × ColumbiaVotes
Law on Trial: The Issues Defining Gen-Z
Harvey Pennington (moderator) · Zoë Berry · Brianna Wilson · Andrew Chung · Nyrah Siddiqui · Kaixi Catherine Zhang
A cross-organization panel unpacking the legal questions shaping our generation, from campus speech to civil rights and the future of the courts.
8:30 PM Schermerhorn 614
February 3, 2026•BridgeColumbia
How Should We Respond to What's Going On in Minnesota?
Open discussion
A discussion on the ICE raids and immigration enforcement unfolding in Minnesota — how students across the political spectrum are reading the moment, and what a constructive response looks like on campus.
8:30 PM Hamilton 115
December 2, 2025•BridgeColumbia · Expert Panel
AI and Public Policy: Threat or Opportunity?
Kathleen McKeown · Yamil Velez · Eduardo Albrecht · Katja Vogt
Our final event of the semester — four expert panelists on the future of AI and public policy. Featuring the former Vice Dean of SEAS and founding director of the Data Science Institute, an Assistant Professor of Political Science, a former Senior Fellow at the UN University's Centre for Policy Research, and a Professor of Philosophy at Columbia.
8:30 PM EST Earl Hall Auditorium
November 18, 2025•BridgeColumbia
Will Things Actually Change?
Moderated discussion
A discussion on the Israel–Palestine conflict and the Gaza war — where students on different sides of the issue think things are actually heading, and what campus dialogue can and can't change.
Evening Columbia University
November 11, 2025•BridgeColumbia
The Era of Zohran: Sunrise or Twilight in NYC?
Open discussion
A post-election discussion on Zohran Mamdani's win as the new Mayor of NYC — sunrise or twilight? Free food and drink provided.
8:30 – 9:30 PM Hamilton 303
October 29, 2025•Braver Angels / BUSA · in collaboration with BridgeColumbia
Golden Age or Hellscape? Is the New Right Good for Our Country?
Braver Angels Debate · references Charlie Kirk
A Braver Angels-style debate on the New Right — is the movement represented by figures like Charlie Kirk good for the country, or a warning sign? Hosted with Braver USA in collaboration with BridgeColumbia.
7:00 PM Earl Hall, Dodge Room
October 14, 2025•BridgeColumbia
Reflection on October 7th, the Question of Genocide, & the Hope of Peace
Moderated reflection
A reflection two years after October 7th — the question of genocide, the human cost of the war in Gaza, and where any hope of peace might come from.
Evening Hamilton 302
September 30, 2025•BridgeColumbia
The Rise of Red Pill Men
Moderated discussion
A discussion event exploring the online “red pill” movement, why it appeals to young men, and how campuses should respond to shifts in gender politics.
Evening Columbia University
September 23, 2025•BridgeColumbia
Gender Wars: The Politicization of Family and Modern Feminism
Open discussion
A weekly discussion on gender politics — how family, feminism, and identity have become political flashpoints, and how students on all sides can talk about it honestly.
Evening Hamilton 302
September 16, 2025•BridgeColumbia
A Discussion on Death and Political Violence
Open discussion · references Charlie Kirk
A weekly discussion on death and political violence in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting — how a polarized country grieves, argues, and moves forward.
Evening Butler Lawn
March 6, 2025•Heterodox Academy · BridgeColumbia · MilVets · VFLI
HXA x BridgeColumbia Panel with Nadine Strossen
Nadine Strossen — former ACLU President
Heterodox Academy, BridgeColumbia, MilVets, and VFLI in conversation with former ACLU president and renowned civil liberties activist Nadine Strossen.
Evening Columbia University
February 28, 2025•BridgeColumbia
BridgeColumbia Outings: Dave & Buster’s
Club social
A social outing at Dave & Buster's to bridge the divide off-hours and form club connections.
Evening Dave & Buster’s, NYC
February 27, 2025•BridgeColumbia
Discussion: Transgender Athletes
Small-group moderated dialogue
A small-group discussion on how to balance inclusion and fairness when it comes to transgender athletes.
Evening Columbia University
November 21, 2024•College Debates and Discourse Alliance
BridgeColumbia x CDDA: Braver Campus Dialogue
Peter T. Coleman · Manu Meel (BridgeUSA)
A Braver Campus Dialogue at Columbia University on the most impactful and productive ways for our community to engage with the Israel–Palestine conflict, featuring social psychologist Peter T. Coleman and BridgeUSA's Manu Meel.
5:00 – 6:30 PM Earl Hall Auditorium
November 7, 2024•Columbia Political Union × BridgeColumbia
Pumpkin Spice and Politics
Jubilee-inspired “Middle Ground” election event
An election-season Middle Ground event co-hosted with the Columbia Political Union — Jubilee-inspired format, open to the entire Columbia community. Hungarian Pastry and fall treats provided.
5:30 – 6:30 PM Mudd 829
October 31, 2024•BridgeColumbia × The Trust Collaboratory
Listening Tables
Small-group reflection session
A BridgeColumbia-hosted Listening Tables session in conjunction with the Trust Collaboratory — a space to reflect and openly discuss experiences on campus over the past two semesters.
5:00 – 6:00 PM Earl Hall
October 23, 2024•BridgeColumbia (moderator)
CU Democrats x CU Republicans Discussion
Columbia University Democrats & Republicans
Columbia University Democrats and Republicans in a BridgeColumbia-moderated discussion across the political aisle.
Evening Columbia University