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Bush Institute Special Series:

The Pluralism Challenge

The George W. Bush Institute will explore the nature of pluralism and how it’s working in our country. Improving our commitment to pluralism is intrinsically tied to strengthening our democracy.

Series Chapters
Chapter 1

Pluralism is a big deal

Read the article How one North Texas community is coming together to engage in civil conversations.
Feb 22, 2024

How one North Texas community is coming together to engage in civil conversations

Featuring: Chris Walsh, Jason Galui, Lieutenant Colonel, USA (Ret.)
The George W. Bush Institute’s Chris Walsh, Director of Global Policy, and Jason Galui, Director of Veterans and Military Families, discuss the Prosper Exchange – an initiative Galui helped spearhead to bring his community together to engage in civil conversations. Read the full transcript below.
Read the article Pluralism is a big deal .
Mar 16, 2023

Pluralism is a big deal

Featuring: Chris Walsh, William McKenzie
Over the coming months, the George W. Bush Institute will explore the nature of pluralism and how it’s working in our country. Improving our commitment to pluralism is intrinsically tied to strengthening our democracy.
Chapter 2

Strengthening our democracy starts with a commitment to pluralism

Read the article Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings on the benefits of pluralism.
Jun 7, 2023

Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings on the benefits of pluralism

“Pluralism is valuable for two primary reasons. First, I like to be right. When I set an objective, I want to get as much data, insight, and knowledge as possible. … Getting different viewpoints helps [you] come up with the right solution. Second, pluralism gets everybody in the same boat so they can be part of the solution.” -Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings
Read the article Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on practicing pluralism.
May 18, 2023

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt on practicing pluralism

"Pluralism is the concept that lots of different worldviews can coexist and you can still attain outcomes through a democratic process. [Those outcomes] are good enough for most or all of those worldviews." - David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City
Chapter 3

Pluralism, free speech, and college campuses

Read the article Universities' role in fostering free speech.
Aug 24, 2023

Universities' role in fostering free speech

Featuring: Nicole Bibbins Sedaca
“In a pluralistic society with many people of many different backgrounds and beliefs, there is the opportunity to bridge the divide through the sharing of civil conversations,” she says.
Read the article Figuring out the `juice’ of free speech and pluralism.
Aug 9, 2023

Figuring out the `juice’ of free speech and pluralism

By: Chris Walsh, William McKenzie
Over the coming months, the George W. Bush Institute will explore the nature of pluralism and how it’s working in our country. Improving our commitment to pluralism is intrinsically tied to strengthening our democracy. 
Chapter 4

Practicing religious pluralism

Chapter 5

Media Pluralism

Chapter 6

Practicing Pluralism in Rural America

Read the article Practicing Pluralism: What We Can Learn from Rural Schools .
May 15, 2025

Practicing Pluralism: What We Can Learn from Rural Schools

By: William McKenzie, Chris Walsh
Throughout 2025, the George W. Bush Institute will continue exploring the nature of pluralism and how it’s working in our country. Improving our commitment to pluralism is intrinsically tied to strengthening our democracy.