SIUE Recognized with Grant to Advance Campus Pluralism in Higher Education

Interfaith America has awarded Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a $15,000 Advancing Campus Pluralism Grant in support of SIUE's continued efforts to enhance pluralism and cooperation across deep differences on campus. To align with its request for proposals, Interfaith America sought campus partners "who recognize that American colleges and universities have a unique role and responsibility to help our communities and our nation explore and learn how to bridge divides while maintaining a common life together."

During the one-year grant period, Jessica Harris, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; J.T. Snipes, PhD, associate professor and chair in the Department of Educational Leadership; Matthew Schunke, PhD, professor of philosophy; Lindy Wagner, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development; and two students, Stella Smith and Nicholas Young, will develop a curricular and co-curricular general education pathway for students, focused on pluralism.

"I am delighted about receiving the advancing campus pluralism grant," said Snipes. "The need for college students to engage across lines of religious difference has taken on even greater significance since October 7. My hope is that this grant will help us prepare students to be changemakers and engage in difficult dialogue, specifically as it relates to religious pluralism."

"Providing learning opportunities that raise communal awareness of global topics and complex issues and facilitate productive conversations are critical to carrying out SIUE's mission," said Harris. "This project is part of a long-term, institutional effort focused on bridging differences, building pluralism, and cultivating an environment that will support civil discourse. I look forward to engaging the campus community in this critical work over the next year and beyond."

Todd Green, Interfaith America's Director of Campus Partnerships, congratulated SIUE and stated, "Our hope is that this comprehensive grant award will help SIUE make significant strides in becoming a center of pluralism in higher education."

With these awards the sponsoring organization hopes to address tensions on college campuses that they feel are a result of rising prejudice and polarization in American civic life. Their hope is that awardees cultivate learning environments where campuses become pluralism laboratories that produce leaders from diverse identities who cooperate on projects with common goals.

PHOTOS: Jessica Harris, PhD, Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; J.T. Snipes, PhD, associate professor and chair in the Department of Educational Leadership; Lindy Wagner, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence, Education and Development; Matthew Schunke, PhD, professor of philosophy