"The Declaration of Independence Today: Why an Old Text Still Serves Us Now" Danielle Allen

The John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis hosted political philosopher and democracy advocate Danielle Allen in St. Louis for a public lecture in conjunction with the special course “1776: Then and Now” offered in the spring 2026 semester to commemorate the 250th years since the country’s founding. Danielle Allen is James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University. She is also Director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Democratic Knowledge Project, a research lab focused on civic education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is a professor of political philosophy, ethics, and public policy as well as a seasoned nonprofit leader, democracy advocate, tech ethicist, distinguished author, and mom. She is a contributing columnist at The Atlantic Magazine, winner of the 2025 Barry Prize, and was the 2020 winner of the Library of Congress’ Kluge Prize, which recognizes scholarly achievement in the disciplines not covered by the Nobel Prize. She received the Prize “for her internationally recognized scholarship in political theory and her commitment to improving democratic practice and civics education.” The event was opened by Professor Mark Valeri, and Provost Mark West offered the introduction of Allen. April 16, 2026 in Graham Chapel at Washington University in St. Louis