Panel to explore how the humanities might help Americans cross deep political, cultural divides

Politics and culture are contentious factors in modern American life that are driving a major divide between significant segments of the population, but a group of experts will discuss how learning from the past can be significant when facing today's challenges.

The event, "Searching for Deeper Common Ground," will be hosted by Grand Valley State University's Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies as part of the center's Common Ground Initiative, which seeks to address increasing political and cultural polarization in American life.

Following the event, attendees can participate in an interactive town hall session where speakers will field audience questions and comments on pursuing common ground in an age of hyperpolarization.

Speakers will include Gleaves Whitney, presidential historian, author and director of the Hauenstein Center; Bradley Birzer, a history professor and the Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies at Hillsdale College; and Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, an award-winning author and historian who serves on the faculty at Syracuse University. 

Searching for Deeper Common Ground: Gleaves Whitney, Bradley Birzer and Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn

Friday April 12, from noon - 1:45 p.m.

Loosemore Auditorium, Richard M. DeVos Center

401 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested at gvsu.edu/hc/events.

This event is presented in partnership with the Progressive Women's Alliance of West Michigan, and the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/hc