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...
The Ford School of Public Policy presents events, research, and ideas from faculty and other experts that shape our understanding of the people and issues that are influencing local, state, and federal 2024 elections. Read stories and watch video...
Former Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D) thinks the biggest problems with American politics can be traced to three fundamental factors: gerrymandering has drastically decreased the number of competitive districts, changes in the media environment...
How do future policy leaders learn how to listen thoughtfully, process carefully, and respond empathetically?For several years, the Ford School has hosted public events that bring together speakers who represent different, sometimes conflicting,...
Descendants of Presidents Ford and Carter proposed new principles to make sure upcoming elections will be fair, secure, and trusted by the American people.The Ford School of Public Policy hosted the Carter Center, Ford Presidential Foundation, and...
The Ford School has an exciting and diverse series of events this fall, designed to encourage policy debate, civic engagement, and Conversations Across Differences in a number of ways for students, faculty, staff, and the wider U-M and general...
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...
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...
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...
Policy Talks @ the Ford School,
Conversations Across Differences
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall
Annenberg Auditorium (1120)
In the year since the Hamas attack on Israel, the deadly conflict has widened into crises beyond Gaza -- in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen. Two experts with long experience in Middle East policymaking return to the Ford School for a substantive policy conversation about the conflict and the broader implications for the region, and the ways in which U.S. policy and policymakers are acting and reacting to the crises. This event is open to Ford School students, faculty, and staff, and will be streamed live and on-demand.
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium (Room 1120)
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) and Montana Governor Steve Bullock (D) will address the threats to American democracy, and the need for civic discourse across party lines and around the country.
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall Annenberg Auditorium (1120)
Have a question for our panel? Submit your question at: https://myumi.ch/4rPZ4Two high-profile advocates from opposite ends of the political spectrum seek ways to connect and communicate about the most important issues facing the country.
A day-long "Conference on Electoral Mechanics, Processes, and Expectations for Fair and Credible Elections" presented by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, the Ford School of Public Policy, the Carter Center, and More Perfect.
Joan and Sanford Weill Hall, Annenberg Auditorium (Room 1120)
In recent years, the process for securing elections has been called into question. So how do elections really work? What systems are in place to ensure open, fair voting for all?
Watch live from this page
Conversations Across Differences,
Policy Talks @ the Ford School
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
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
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.
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
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
Diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Ford School,
Conversations Across Differences
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
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
Policy Talks @ the Ford School,
Conversations Across Differences
Two former governors, one Republican and one Democrat, considered moderates in their respective parties, discuss ways in which to have civil and civic discourse in an era of political divisiveness. October, 2024.
Recognizing the damage of such divisive posturing, Walsh and Guttenberg converse from opposite ends of the political spectrum and find common ground on contentious issues through respect, understanding, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Co-chaired by Mike Ford (son of President Ford) and Jason Carter (grandson of President Carter) examine the inner workings of the election process as well as expectations for staff conduct around elections. September, 2024.
Join us for a discussion with Rebecca Carroll on her new book, Surviving the White Gaze with Beth Chimera, writing instructor at the Ford School Writing Center, moderating the discussion. March, 2021.
Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI 8th District) and Peter Meijer (R-MI 3rd District) talk about the challenging Congressional session and find common ground to tackle the urgent problems facing the United States. February 2021.
