Power, Radical Democracy, and Dissent: An Interactive Multimedia Presentation

According to Goddard College’s own governance document, radical democracy is a core imperative of our educational and structural practices. This document adheres to the Articles of Association, Bylaws of Goddard College, and Vermont corporate law for non-profit corporations, and was revised as recently as 2021 by the senior leadership team. The reason for that is simple, radical democracy is founded in participation and deliberation:

“Radical democrats have recommended participation and deliberation to increase political equality: deliberation, because it blunts the power of greater resources with the force of better arguments; participation, because shifting the basis of political contestation from organized money to organized people is the most promising antidote to the influence conferred by wealth. (Cohen & Fung, 2004)

So if we are “committed to social justice, to human rights, to agency and protection for all people, and to thoughtful action” (Circle of Councils Social Justice Statement) then embracing radical democracy in order to re-balance power makes sense. Which is why it is written in the governance document. So why is Goddard College leadership refusing to follow it?

At what point is dissent against an institution, despite possible negative consequences, worth it? Can dissent be founded in love?

This interactive multimedia presentation uses a variety of digital communication techniques in order to discuss the ongoing crisis at Goddard College and the responses of the community to it.

CW: This presentation includes loud music, audience interaction and possibly explicit content. Audience members may choose level of interaction on arrival.