Pluralism in Practice Workshop
The Pluralism in Practice workshop is a campus event designed to celebrate and strengthen a culture of viewpoint diversity and civil dialogue at UW–Madison, where a multitude of ideas are welcomed, expected and respected.
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in the full experience, which includes conversations with thought leaders, sessions designed to help engage in robust discussion about timely issues, and opportunities to learn more about campus efforts to advance civil dialogue and get involved in the Wisconsin Exchange. Or, choose to register just for a fireside chat with 11th U.S. archivist, Colleen Shogan.
Event date and registration
Date: March 23, 2026
Time: 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Location: Varsity Hall, Union South, 1308 W. Dayton St.
Choose fireside chat only, or register for the full workshop, which includes the fireside chat.
Schedule and workshop details
1:30–2:35 p.m.
Welcome and panel discussion with campus leaders
Many Perspectives, One Wisconsin
Panel discussion with members of the Wisconsin Exchange Steering Committee. Moderated by interim Provost John Zumbrunnen.
Hear how members of the Wisconsin Exchange Steering Committee view pluralism and civil discourse on campus and what ideas they have for the Wisconsin Exchange.
2:45–3:45 p.m.
Breakout sessions
Participants can choose from one of the following:
Session one
Constitutional Perspectives on Presidential Power
Led by Dan Tokaji, dean of the University of Wisconsin Law School
Leading legal scholars examine how history, judicial precedent, and contemporary scholarship have shaped competing understandings of presidential authority and the separation of powers. In a discussion organized by the University of Wisconsin Law School, speakers will explore the major lines of debate over executive power and the structure of the administrative state. They will consider how these approaches continue to shape governance and public life today.
Session two
Seeking Pluralism in a Society of Monocultures
Led by Barry Burden, professor of political science
More than we realize, most of us operate in monocultures where our family, friends, and media choices reinforce homogeneous viewpoints. Although being around like-minded others can be a valuable source of belonging and solidarity, it also inhibits exposure to diverse ways of thinking. In this breakout session, we hear advice from experts and explore how to balance the comfort of monocultures with healthy exposure to pluralism in practice.
Session three
The Discussion Project: Should Instructors Disclose Their Political Opinions?
Led by Lynn Glueck and Emma Cabrera, The Discussion Project
Should instructors share their personal opinions on political or controversial issues with their students? This will be the issue discussed in this interactive breakout session, using principles from The Discussion Project. Participants will learn and experience a Discussion Project protocol called a “Structured Academic Controversy,” which teaches faculty, staff and students alike how to discuss a controversial topic in a productive manner.
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Fireside chat and closing remarks
“We the People”: Pluralistic Democracy in a Partisan Age
Conversation with Colleen Shogan, hosted by Allison Prasch, professor of rhetoric, politics and culture
What does it mean to tell America’s story in an age of political polarization? As we approach America’s 250, Professor Allison Prasch hosts a conversation with Colleen Shogan to examine the challenges and opportunities public historians, scholars, and citizens encounter as we commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial. Together, they will discuss the narrative arc of U.S. history from multiple perspectives and consider how viewpoint diversity and dialogue across difference can be applied to our past, present, and future.
Colleen Shogan is the 11th archivist of the United States, CEO of In Pursuit, senior advisor to More Perfect, and senior fellow of civics education for Stand Together Trust. Professor Allison Prasch is the Nancy Obin Sukenik Professor of Letters & Science and associate professor of rhetoric, politics, and culture in the Department of Communication Arts. This event is co-sponsored with the College of Letters & Science, with support from “1776/2026,” a series of events and projects focusing on the country’s 250th anniversary and legacies of the Declaration of Independence, a program of the Paul Martin Wolff Center.
5:00–5:30 p.m.