Hosted by President Jacqueline Edmondson, University of Southern Maine (USM)
2025–2026 Series: A Focus on Pluralism
About the USM Forum on American Democracy
The USM Forum on American Democracy is a year-long public series designed to engage the University of Southern Maine and the broader community in thoughtful conversations on the foundations and future of democratic society. Hosted by President Edmondson, the Forum invites multiple perspectives on timely civic topics through keynote speakers, panel discussions, and campus-wide engagement.
Each year, the Forum will explore a central theme. For its inaugural year, the focus is on pluralism—its historical impact on democracy, the tensions it creates, and its powerful potential to shape civic life and public policy today.
As civic leader and opening keynote speaker Eboo Patel reminds us:
“Diversity is a treasure and cooperation across difference is a key for everyone to thrive.”
With that spirit, the Forum seeks to deepen our collective understanding of democracy by engaging voices from across campus, across ideologies, and across communities. Whether you’re a student thinking about your role in shaping the future, an educator nurturing thoughtful dialogue, or a community member seeking unity in complexity, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to take part in building a democracy that works for all of us.
A thank you to the Pond Family Foundation, this year’s sponsors of the USM Forum on American Democracy.
September 3, 2025 – This event has passed – click here to watch it in full
Strengthening Democracy Through Pluralism
Inaugural Keynote with Eboo Patel
Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith America and a national leader in civic cooperation, will launch the Forum series with a keynote 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.
>> More about the event & Eboo Patel
November 5, 2025
Pluralism in Practice
A Conversation with Raj Vinnakota & President Edmondson
Raj Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, joins President Edmondson for a public dialogue on the promise and pressure points of pluralism in today’s America. Building on themes introduced by Eboo Patel, this discussion will consider how institutions, individuals, and society can strengthen civic culture amid growing divides.
>> More about the event & Raj Vinnakota
February 4, 2026
A Perspective on Pluralism in Southern Maine
A Discussion Led by USM Faculty & Staff
Join us for a continuing conversation on pluralism—this time with a focus on Southern Maine. USM faculty and staff from across disciplines will share their insights on how the themes explored by our previous speakers apply in our local context. This dialogue brings the big ideas home, grounding them in the lived experience, challenges, and opportunities of our own community.
March 25, 2026
The Voices of Future Leaders
Student Perspectives on Pluralism and Democracy in America
Join us for a final evening centered on the voices of USM students as they share their insights on pluralism and democracy in America. This culminating conversation will be curated and led by the Forum Scholars – USM students nominated by each college’s dean for their interest in democracy and leadership, who have participated in a year-long seminar with President Edmondson.
>> More about the event