The event will feature CST’s Maciej Boni and investigative journalist David Zweig, moderated by Wilk Wilkinson

Braver Angels, a national movement dedicated to bridging divides through civil discourse, will host an engaging and thought-provoking event, “Where COVID Policy Went Wrong (And Right!),” on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Temple University.

Free and open to the public, tickets are available here.

This event promises a dynamic evening of open debate and cross-partisan conversation as participants reflect on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how we can better prepare for future challenges. It will feature a moderated conversation between investigative journalist David Zweig and renowned epidemiologist Maciej Boni, a professor of biology in the College of Science and Technology. Together, they will dive into the successes, failures and complexities of COVID-19 policies, examining critical questions about public health measures and their impact on society.

“At some point in the future, we're going to have another pandemic. And we're going to have to have civil discussions about how to respond to it,” said Boni, an expert in infectious diseases. David Zweig, known for his incisive reporting on COVID policy in the Twitter Files, agreed: “The cornerstone of an informed public is the free exchange of ideas. Conversations in which one seeks to persuade others, and is open to persuasion themselves, through evidence and reason, are the ideal form of that exchange.”

Wilk Wilkinson, who notably brokered a conversation between Francis Collins, the former head of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Jay Bhattacharya, the current head of the NIH, will moderate the discussion. Said Wilkinson, “Two men who much of the world has been made to believe are arch enemies, I know as friends and brothers in faith. The power of conversation is a beautiful thing.”

Following the panel, the event will transition into a community debate on the resolution: “Resolved: Trust the Science,” inviting attendees to engage directly in the conversation by sharing their perspectives on it. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with pressing issues in a spirit of curiosity and mutual respect. Whether you’re a student, a professional or a concerned citizen, join us for an evening of insight, dialogue and connection.

Braver Angels is a nonprofit organization working to depolarize America by bringing people together for constructive conversations across political and cultural divides. Through workshops, debates, and events like this, Braver Angels seeks to rebuild trust and foster understanding.