Conversations Across Differences

The Ford School is committed to playing a leading role in rebuilding a public discourse that is nonpartisan, evidence-based, and inclusive. Our graduate and undergraduates students are training to be civic and national leaders. We aim to deepen...

Brendan Nyhan, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI)

News

U-M experts suggest five things we can do to keep our system of government strong

May 18, 2023

In the United States and around the world, the fate of democracy is being challenged. A number of studies have shown that the majority of Americans believe democracy is at risk. At the University of Michigan, faculty and students are participating...

Photo of an American flag backed by a gray sky

In the Media

Dean Barr featured in DPTV special about Jan. 6 insurrection

Jan 6, 2022 Detroit Public TV

Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, Detroit Public TV produced a special reflecting on the events of that day and their consequences, featuring an interview with Dean Michael Barr. "It highlighted a significant...

Image of a laptop, open, displaying a video with DPTV host Christy McDonald, Ford School Dean Michael Barr, and Detroit Free Press Editor and Vice President Peter Bhatia

State & Hill

Spotlights - Spring 2021

Jun 10, 2021

Working remotely has its perks At Comerica Park, Detroit News photographer Robin Buckson spotted sociologist and Detroit historian Ren Farley keeping score as the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals. “I teach the course on Detroit so I have to...

Ren Farley in the stands at Comerica Park

Conversations Across Differences, Policy Talks @ the Ford School

POSTPONED - Protecting democracy: Common ground for the greater good

Apr 6, 2022, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

Join us for a conversation with U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell and Liz Cheney with Ford School Dean Michael S. Barr to discuss the role of public service and collaboration beyond party lines to protect democracy under threat.

Policy Talks @ the Ford School, Conversations Across Differences

American democracy: The path forward

Mar 24, 2022, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

Join us for a special conversation with Governor Jeb Bush and Ford School Dean Michael Barr to discuss the role of public service in these extraordinary times.

Policy Talks @ the Ford School, Conversations Across Differences

Road to economic recovery: Inflation, wages, and changing labor force dynamics

Jan 24, 2022, 6:00-7:00 pm EST

Inflation and labor market fluctuations are threatening the fragile economic recovery. Increasingly, Americans are worried about their financial future. Join Ford School economists for a discussion of these crucial issues.

L-R: Dominguez, Hausman, Leahy, Stevenson

Conversations Across Differences

Rebecca Carroll on "Surviving the White Gaze"

Mar 3, 2021, 4:00-5:00 pm EST

Join us for a discussion with Rebecca Carroll, writer, creative consultant, editor-at-large, and podcast host, about her new book Surviving the White Gaze.

Watch live from this page

Policy Talks @ the Ford School, Conversations Across Differences

U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Peter Meijer: Voices across the aisle in a challenging time

Feb 16, 2021, 11:00 am-12:00 pm EST

Join the Ford School for a Conversations Across Differences event with U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI 8th District) and Peter Meijer (R-MI 3rd District) moderated by Ford School Dean Michael S. Barr.

Watch live from this page

U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Peter Meijer

Diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Ford School, Conversations Across Differences

Ford School Community Event on "John Lewis: Good Trouble"

Oct 27, 2020, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

Join the Ford School community for a conversation about the documentary film, John Lewis: Good Trouble.

CLOSUP Lecture Series, Conversations Across Differences, Policy Talks @ the Ford School

Jocelyn Benson and Frank LaRose on voter turnout and access in Ohio and Michigan

Oct 9, 2020, 3:00-4:00 pm EDT

Online event

The Ford School invites you to join us for a conversation on voting rights and voter access, featuring Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

Conversations Across Differences, Policy Talks @ the Ford School

Maya MacGuineas and Lawrence H. Summers: Is the federal deficit unsustainable?

Oct 7, 2020, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

Join us for a conversation with Lawrence H. Summers, former Secretary of the Treasury, and Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, on whether the growing federal deficit is sustainable for the United States economy.

Watch live from this page