Dr. Vikki Katz is Professor and Fletcher Jones Foundation Endowed Chair in Free Speech at Chapman University in Orange, CA. She is also Executive Director of Or Initiative, which is dedicated to developing evidence-based alternatives to how young people (dis)engage with each other over contentious and complex issues, including the Middle East conflict and rising U.S. antisemitism. Or Initiative develops civil discourse interventions specific to the needs of middle school, high school, and college-aged young people, with an emphasis on how to develop these crucial communication skills in an increasingly digital information environment.
Dr. Katz’s research program has advanced equitable access to digital and educational opportunities for lower-income, working-class, and immigrant young people and families, with support from funders including Samueli Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Carnegie Foundation, and Spencer Foundation. Prior to joining the Chapman University faculty in 2022, Dr. Katz was a professor at Rutgers University. She has also served as Visiting Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation, Senior Research Fellow at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop, and as Editor of the Journal of Children and Media.
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