America has always had factions; they are a feature—not a flaw—of representative democracy. Toxic polarization, however, is not. In today’s world, learning and adopting pluralism requires the opportunity to gather information and reflect on it, and the opportunity to apply that information and practice it in community. Our program provides both.
We have launched a number of initiatives to help professors, students, public intellectuals, parents, and anyone who is curious, to practice pluralism and its concurrent values in an eclectic, thriving community. Keep reading to learn more.
The Pluralist Lab is a space to experiment with various techniques or methods to get people to reconnect.
Pluralist Lab activities such as workshops, forums, reading groups, salons, and conversational dinners are designed to build competency in civil discourse and encourage viewpoint diversity and mutual understanding—values that are essential in developing and maintaining social trust in a pluralistic society.
Participants are expected to enter conversations with an attitude of respect, authenticity, and curiosity and to practice active and reflective listening techniques that prompt “I never thought of it that way” moments. We value respectful, candid dialogue over win-lose debates, because we believe that diverse opinions are a bridge to deeper understanding, not division. The goal is not to change minds but rather to create space for empathy and understanding, encouraging participants to recognize the humanity behind differing perspectives and to challenge their own biases.
Learn more about our various offerings and how they can be applied on your campus or adapted for other settings.
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 media inquiries, contact Ryan Carver at [email protected]. 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 polarizationAngel Adams Parham
Examining key historical sites to help cultivate the moral imagination and foster dialogue about America's complex past.Tara Isabella Burton
Exploring the “theology of the internet” and how it shapes our shared culture and moral assumptions.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.Lauren Hall
Making the case for radical moderation; exposing false binaries in politics, ideology, and everyday life.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.The Democratic Dilemma
Ben Klutsey welcomes author Robert Talisse to discuss democracy as an aspirational ideal and solutions to polarization.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.A Matter of Trust
Ben Klutsey talks with author Danielle Allen about pluralism, equality and committing to democratic processes.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.
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
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Now Is the Time for New Interfaith Connections | The Dispatch
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The Disruptor | City Journal
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Pluralist Points: Citizen Checks on Presidential Power | Discourse
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Undivide Us | Biz-eWerk podcast
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The Supreme Court’s Hidden Power To Heal Our Nation | Deseret News
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Who’s Running the Country? | Federalist Radio Hour
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The Power and the Money | American Studies
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The VP Debate | WHO radio’s “The Simon Conway Show” (IA)
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The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
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Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
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Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Now Is the Time for New Interfaith Connections | The Dispatch
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Disruptor | City Journal
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Pluralist Points: Citizen Checks on Presidential Power | Discourse
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Undivide Us | Biz-eWerk podcast
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Supreme Court’s Hidden Power To Heal Our Nation | Deseret News
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Who’s Running the Country? | Federalist Radio Hour
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
The Power and the Money | American Studies
- | Radio Appearance Radio Appearance
The VP Debate | WHO radio’s “The Simon Conway Show” (IA)
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Undivide Us | Biz-eWerk podcast
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Who’s Running the Country? | Federalist Radio Hour
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
The Power and the Money | American Studies
- | Radio Appearance Radio Appearance
The VP Debate | WHO radio’s “The Simon Conway Show” (IA)
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Cultivating Civil Engagement | The Rational Egoist
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Finding Civility in Uncivil Times | Fox 5 News
- | Radio Appearance Radio Appearance
Undivide Us | SiriusXM
- | TV Appearance TV Appearance
Political Polarization & "Undivide Us" | C-SPAN
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Democracy as a Civic Bargain | Pluralist Points
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How Do We Rebuild Trust? | The Curious Task
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Polarization | Profectus Magazine’s “True Progress”
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Anonymity and Self-creation | BBC’s “Thinking Allowed”
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The Legacy of Ed Koch | "Acton Line"
- | Podcast Appearance Podcast Appearance
Is Neighborhood Fragmentation Polarizing America? | The UnPopulist
Latest work in Pluralism and Civil Exchange
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Now Is the Time for New Interfaith Connections | The Dispatch
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Disruptor | City Journal
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Pluralist Points: Citizen Checks on Presidential Power | Discourse
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Supreme Court’s Hidden Power To Heal Our Nation | Deseret News
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
The Joke’s on Elon Musk – What CEO Humor Says About Us | Barron’s
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
Will CEOs Have to Rescue Us From the Debt Challenge? | The Hill
- | Expert Commentary Expert Commentary
JD Vance and the Rise of ‘Postliberalism’ | The Wall Street Journal
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Are DEI Programs Really the Problem? | The Hill
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Expressive Freedom and Dialoguing Across Difference | Discourse
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How To Disagree Better | Discourse
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Polarization and Behavioral Economics | Discourse
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