Higher Education Institution

Towson University

Cardin Center for Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse

In September 2025, Towson University announced the launch of the Cardin Center for Civic Engagement & Civil Discourse. The center is named after former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.

Notable People

Ben Cardin

U.S. Senator from Maryland from 2007 to 2025

Cardin is a former U.S. Senator and the Cardin Center is named for him. He is a staunch supporter of Israel who has co-sponsored legislation specifically aimed at opposing BDS. A Towson news article about the Cardin Center states that it “will be led by Senator Cardin” and that the Cardins “will provide strategic direction and thought leadership for programming…to nurture a culture of civil discourse and civic responsibility.”

Notable Funders

Brenda Brown Rever

$100,000 (2025)

According to Towson University Foundation’s 2025 annual report, the Cardin Center was founded through a $100,000 gift from philanthropist Brenda Brown Rever. Rever’s family foundation is a supporting entity of the Jewish Federation of Baltimore (a.k.a. The Associated), which is part of the Baltimore Israel Coalition. For reference, see the Brenda Brown-Lipitz Family Foundation tax filings for 2025, 2024, and 2023.

Partnerships

College Presidents for Civic Preparedness

Towson president Mark Ginsberg is a member of this coalition. Refer to the "College Presidents for Civic Preparedness" entry for details about the organization's leadership and funders.

Campus Policy Context

In November 2023, students affiliated with Towson Colonized People’s Revolution held a pro-Palestinian “die-in” at Tiger Plaza. Towson later disciplined five students who participated, issuing deferred suspensions to all five before reducing one student’s sanction to probation; the university said the group had violated rules governing where unregistered student organizations could demonstrate.

In April 2024, roughly 70 Towson students rallied in support of a resolution urging the Towson University Foundation to divest from companies and investment funds tied to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the Palestinian territories. On May 8, 2024 Towson’s Student Government Association passed the measure.

In August 2024, the ACLU of Maryland challenged the university’s discipline of the die-in participants. That same month, responding to an inquiry from Patch about TU’s discipline decisions, a university spokesperson said that Towson “encourages opportunities for students, faculty and staff to gather and have dialogue” and that it looked forward to fostering a campus “where all perspectives are welcome.” The following month, after reviewing the SGA divestment resolution, the Towson University Foundation declined to alter its investment portfolio.