As our USM Forum on American Democracy continues, we turn our focus homeward. This evening brings together USM faculty from across disciplines to explore how the principles of pluralism — as discussed in previous events with Eboo Patel and Raj Vinnakota — apply right here in Southern Maine. Join Dr. Ron Schmidt (Political Science), Dr. David Kasdan (Sustainable Public Policy), Dr. Michelle Vázquez Jacobus (Social and Behavioral Sciences), and Dr. Adam Schmitt (History/Education) as they bring diverse academic perspectives to the ongoing conversation. Together, they will explore what pluralism means in this moment and in this place, grounding national themes in our regional experience. This discussion will reflect on how diversity, inclusion, and civic cooperation shape life in Southern Maine — from public institutions and education systems to our broader civic culture. The panel will highlight the distinctive dynamics of our community while examining how pluralism can foster meaningful engagement, responsive policy, and a deeper sense of belonging.

On Wednesday, November 5, the University of Southern Maine’s Forum on American Democracy series continud in a conversation with Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. USM President Jacqueline Edmondson hosted a public dialogue with Vinnakota to explore the challenges and opportunities of pluralism in contemporary American society.