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Pluralism and Civil Exchange

Our mission is to build a community of confident pluralists empowered in their spheres of influence to bridge, and not divide.

About

Pluralist Lab

Fellows

Community

Next Steps for Our Program

Over the past four years, the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange has served as a space to explore bold ideas, develop promising talent, and build a diverse community of leaders committed to bridging divides. From reading groups and salons to workshops and fellowships, this program has lived out Mercatus’s core mission to invest in people and ideas with the power to shape a freer, more open society.

This chapter at the Mercatus Center is now concluding—but the journey is just beginning.

We’re excited to share how its most impactful efforts will carry forward—and grow—in a new, independent organization: The Pluralist Lab, led by our colleague Devin Scanlon.

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Pluralist Lab

Introducing The Pluralist Lab

The Pluralist Lab will expand the reach of our workshops, train new facilitators, and cultivate a network of alumni dedicated to fostering pluralism in their communities. With a new fellowship program and a growing community, Devin and his team are poised to ensure students, faculty, and professionals actively lead the charge for open inquiry and mutual understanding on their campuses and in society. 

Additionally, we’re thrilled that the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a longtime champion of free speech on campus, is partnering with Devin’s organization to incorporate the Pluralist Lab methodology into its “Let’s Talk” civil discourse programming— equipping students with new tools for meaningful dialogue, especially on campuses where free expression is most at risk.

If you’re interested in bringing these tools to your own work or community, reach out to Devin to explore how you can get involved.

See more about Pluralist Lab

Stay Connected & Get Involved

There are many ways to be a part of our small but mighty community. We hope to hear from you soon and look forward to connecting.

Pluralist Lab Toolkit

Email Devin to receive our free Pluralist Lab Toolkit and stay connected for training opportunities.

Email Devin

Thank You for Your Partnership

What we accomplished together through the Program on Pluralism and Civil Exchange was incredible. We saw students regain their muscle for civil discourse, scholars unlock solutions to the worst obstacles to pluralism, and practitioners offer us tools to integrate these values into our daily lives.

To the Pluralism Fellows, grant recipients, Pluralist Lab workshop facilitators and participants, supporters, allies, and friends—we are so grateful for your partnership.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you and to learn from you. 
We’re proud of what we built together—and we look forward to seeing where the movement goes next.

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Pluralism Fellows 2025

Every year, our program hosts an eclectic mix of heterodox thinkers and practitioners. Through research, salon discussions, writing, and speaking, fellows are constantly engaged in various aspects of how we can foster pluralism. For speaking engagements, contact Sarah Keenan at [email protected].

Tevi Troy

Fostering civil engagement and reducing polarization by strengthening shared institutions across ideological divides. Engaging with diverse audiences to look at how ideological divides in institutions contribute to polarization
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Angel Adams Parham

Examining key historical sites to help cultivate the moral imagination and foster dialogue about America's complex past.
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Tara Isabella Burton

Exploring the “theology of the internet” and how it shapes our shared culture and moral assumptions.
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Asma Uddin

Bridging legal theory, social psychology, and pluralism to address America's growing polarization around identity conflicts. Exploring strategies for fostering a more inclusive constitutional culture through the lens of religious liberty disputes.
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Lauren Hall

Making the case for radical moderation; exposing false binaries in politics, ideology, and everyday life.
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Pluralism Fellows 2024

Tevi Troy

Fostering civil engagement and reducing polarization by strengthening shared institutions across ideological divides. Engaging with diverse audiences to look at how ideological divides in institutions contribute to polarization
Tevi Troy profile picture

Ashley Berner

Making the case for educational pluralism to improve student outcomes and foster viewpoint diversity in the classroom.
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Tara Isabella Burton

Exploring the “theology of the internet” and how it shapes our shared culture and moral assumptions.
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Luke Sheahan

Discussing monism vs pluralism and the impact these frameworks have on the public’s treatment of the First Amendment and Freedom of Association.
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Graedon Zorzi

Studying the ideas of John Locke as foundational to a liberal democratic republic and the establishment of a more robust pluralism.
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Sheena Mason

Further developing the Theory of Racelessness, a case for antirace(ism) to transcend the conventional understanding of race.
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Kevin Vallier

Exploring religious pluralism, shifting trends in social trust, and catholic integralism.
Kevin Vallier

Joan McGregor

Researching ways the next generation of students can build moral capital by fostering epistemic virtues and habits.
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Recommended Resources

Confident Pluralism
Ben Klutsey talks with John Inazu, author of 'Confident Pluralism,' about acknowledging differences, finding common ground, and supporting constitutional rights with civic practices.
Confident Pluralism book
The Democratic Dilemma
Ben Klutsey welcomes author Robert Talisse to discuss democracy as an aspirational ideal and solutions to polarization.
Overdoing Democracy
Having the Tough Conversations
Author Mónica Guzmán joins Ben Klutsey on his podcast and discuss bridging political divides, fostering genuine curiosity and how to talk to your crazy uncle during the holidays.
I never thought it that way
A Matter of Trust
Ben Klutsey talks with author Danielle Allen about pluralism, equality and committing to democratic processes.
Our declaration
Undivide Us Postcard

UNDIVIDE US DOCUMENTARY

America is at a crossroads where politicians, news media, and social media fan the flames of toxic partisanship that have led many Americans to question whether they can trust their fellow citizens. UNDIVIDE US is a documentary that stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action.

Watch Trailer

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