As often documented in this space, much of higher education throughout the country has devolved into fists-in-the-air activism and socio-political proselytizing in the classroom.

Activists frequently shout down conservative speakers, or create such havoc the talks are deemed unsafe. College and university administrators discourage diverse discourse by charging exorbitant security fees to College Republicans and other student groups that invite speakers who might challenge academe’s group think.

Administration at the University of Colorado-Boulder considered the bias so entrenched severe they initiated a program of rotating scholars who visit the campus for a year to profess right-of-center views.

Another great Colorado institution also wants to help correct lopsided discourse on campuses, and will bring its first in a series balanced debates, called Campus Liberty Tour, to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs on Tuesday. It will host the same debate Monday at the Boulder campus. Each event is open to the public, and registration information is below this article.

The Steamboat Institute, a public policy organization that promotes “America’s first principles” and “defense of liberty,” will host a rhetorical showdown that pits the merits and demerits of nationalism against the pros and cons of globalism.

This won’t be two pundits throwing sound bites and cheap shots at each other, à la Fox News or MSNB. This will be an informed, educational, and respectful contest between two of the world’s more knowledgeable experts on each perspective.

Vicente Fox, promoting globalism, is the former president of Mexico and an architect and defender of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Nigel Farage orchestrated Britain’s vote to exit the European Union.

“In practice, this debate has centered on trade and immigration. Nationalists usually argue we must limit trade and immigration to protect existing employees from disruption. President Trump’s tariff decision appeals to nationalists because it protects steel and aluminum producers from international competition that has been putting them out of business,” wrote Jennifer Schubert-Akin, chairman and CEO of the Steamboat Institute, in a March 22 guest column for The Gazette.

“Globalists usually argue that free trade and increased immigration help Americans because they reduce consumer prices and allow Americans to enjoy an increased standard of living. They oppose the tariff decision because it will make products that use steel and aluminum as inputs more expensive.

“Sadly this important debate has been distorted by the media and pundits who demagogue the issue. It’s rare to hear a sober-minded discussion that highlights the merits of each side’s position.”

The Steamboat Institute clearly has no intention of correcting bias in academe by countering it with imbalance from the right. Instead, the organization wants to achieve balance by offering balance – by presenting an academic discussion among two great thinkers who can hold their own against each other.

The community should support this event by attending, listening and learning. The free exchange of ideas and information forms the foundation of education and enlightenment. The Campus Liberty Tour is one good step toward elevating our culture’s sad state of discourse in higher education.

Information: Campus Liberty Tour, 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 3, Shockley-Zalabak Theater, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway. Tickets $20-$40. Register: https://goo.gl/aVSgLm

Boulder event: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., April 2, Macky Auditorium, University of Colorado Boulder. Tickets $20-$40. Register: https://goo.gl/yQrqzr