Buhl Lecture examines political polarization

By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Durnan Auditorium was filled with excitement as students and teachers gathered for the annual Buhl Lecture. This year’s distinguished speaker, Dr. John Sides, a Professor of Political Science and William R. Kenan Jr. Chair at Vanderbilt University, engaged High School students in a thought-provoking discussion about one of the most pressing issues in contemporary American politics: political polarization.

Dr. Sides delivered a compelling message that explained how we got here and some of the ways that each student could work to improve the divide.

Opening his lecture, Dr. Sides outlined the stark reality of political polarization in the United States. 

“Data shows that polarization has worsened significantly over the last half-century,” he said, emphasizing that this division is not merely a product of differing opinions but is also rooted in societal behavior. 

He noted that the anonymity of online interactions exacerbates this issue, allowing individuals to express negative sentiments they might otherwise suppress in face-to-face conversations.

"Dr. Sides presented captivating visual aids during the demonstration, and his quizzes and hilariously absurd banter united each student," Carmen Gaskin ’25 said. "I walked away from assembly empowered and educated to initiate difficult conversations with others mindfully and meaningfully."

Dr. Sides then conducted an exercise in which he encouraged students to challenge their preconceived notions about political parties and ideologies by having them guess demographic information about each party’s voters.

“Many of us have fixed views about those who think differently,” he remarked. 

He underscored the importance of engaging with diverse groups, citing a Pew Research study where participants from across the political spectrum came together to discuss contentious issues. The study found that such deliberations often led participants to move closer to the political center rather than entrenching themselves in their original positions.

Acknowledging the challenge: “It’s difficult to get Americans in one room,” he said.

Student engagement was high during the lecture, with questions flowing in at the conclusion of the presentation. Isaac Fulton ’26 asked about common misconceptions voters have about their own parties.

Dr. Sides noted that this phenomenon is prevalent, contributing to a rise in individuals identifying as “independent” instead of strongly aligning with a party. 

“Dr. Sides’ presentation definitely led me to question some of the things I thought about the other party,” said Ophelia Cherry-Pulay ’25. “I learned that I'm more likely to make them look extreme or categorize them as homogenous.” 

Brendan West ’25 raised a question about the nationalization of politics and its impact on state and local races. Dr. Sides explained that while national trends influence local elections, it is vital for voters to engage with local candidates' policies. “Nationalization makes everything worse,” he stated, stressing the importance of informed voting at all levels.

Throughout his lecture, Dr. Sides challenged students to think critically about their role in fostering a less polarized environment. He emphasized that actively engaging in deliberative conversations can mitigate divisions and lead to a more cohesive electorate. “The key is not just to listen but to engage thoughtfully with those who hold different views,” he urged.

"I had unconsciously participated in a misperception of voters. Now, with the help of deliberation, civil discourse, and conversation, I can ensure I am presented with not my truth but the truth," Carmen said. 

Dr. Sides’ insights illuminated the complexities of political polarization for students and empowered them to participate actively in our democracy.

“The presentation mirrored what we're learning about in a lot of my classes, especially AP Government,” said Ophelia. “ In Gov, we talk not only about polarization but also about some of its causes. We've learned about how gerrymandering has led to districts with more extreme demographics and how the media has caused more representation of extreme factions, causing more polarization. This lecture was a zoomed-in perspective on an important issue to us inside and outside the classroom.”

Students have also discussed the elections through new curriculum developed by USN faculty.

The Buhl Lecture Series continues to inspire students, providing them with the tools to engage thoughtfully with a myriad of issues. As the election draws closer, Dr. Sides’ visit served as a timely reminder that the future of American democracy lies in the hands of its youth and that hope for a more unified society starts with meaningful conversation.

The Buhl Lecture Series began at USN in 2001 to honor the intellectual vitality of the late Arthur H. “Mike” Buhl, an esteemed USN faculty member who passed away 10 years ago. The purpose of the annual lecture is to honor Buhl’s commitment to a life of the mind and to inspire intellectual discourse among our High School students and faculty. During the nonpartisan lecture, students were challenged to consider how to engage with one another in hopes of bringing about a less politically polarized world.

Dr. Sides studies political behavior in American and comparative politics and serves as Research Advisor to the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group. He is the author of “The Bitter End: The 2020 Presidential Campaign and the Challenge to American Democracy” and three other books about presidential campaigns and elections, as well as multiple articles in scholarly journals and national news. He helped found Good Authority and its predecessor, The Monkey Cage, both of which are sites about political science and politics.