USM Forum on American Democracy concludes with an evening centered on the voices of students — our next generation of civic leaders. In this culminating event, our Forum Scholars will share their reflections on pluralism and democracy in today’s America. Forum Scholars are students nominated by USM’s three college deans for their interest in leadership and civic life. Over the course of the year, they participated in a seminar with President Edmondson, engaging deeply with the ideas presented throughout the Forum on American Democracy series. This event will showcase their perspectives, insights, and visions for a more inclusive and democratic future.
A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine: A Discussion Led by USM Faculty
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.
USM Forum For Democracy
University of Southern Maine’s Forum on American Democracy with Raj Vinnakota
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.
Eboo Patel’s Keynote at the Forum on American Democracy, University of Southern Maine
Join Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America and a national leader in civic cooperation, here at the University of Southern Maine who launched our new series as our keynote speaker for the USM Forum on American Democracy. Eboo's message is on the role of pluralism in American democracy. Drawing on his decades of work in interfaith and public life, Patel will explore how engaging across lines of difference can strengthen communities, enrich civic life, and empower campuses like USM to lead in building a more inclusive and resilient society.