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The Bob Graham Center for Public Service provides a wide variety of programs for students and the larger public on topics related to public service, public leadership and civic engagement.

Jonathan Haidt – Civility in American Politics: How to get it back

Jonathan Haidt discussed the moral foundations of politics and ways to leverage moral psychology to foster civil political dialogue on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m. in Pugh Hall, before a crowd of over 300 people. Widely recognized for research on the intuitive foundations of morality, Haidt uses moral psychology to understand hyper-partisanship in American

Cheryl Little – Immigrant Rights as Human Rights

Immigration advocate Cheryl Little presented a frank and engaging talk on immigrant rights and immigration issues facing the United States and what these issues mean for American society. The discussion was held at the Bob Graham Center on Thursday, September 27 beginning at 6:00pm. The event included an opening by former Florida Governor Bob Graham,

David Frum – Why the American Political System Doesn’t Work

Political speaker David Frum brought his experience and insight of the American political system to the Bob Graham Center on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 6:00pm, which also included a special book signing after the event. Frum offered vigorous commentary about the upcoming election and why the current state of politics does not work, as

Election Wrap Up: Decision 2012 with Susan MacManus and Dan Smith

The Bob Graham Center hosted Dr. Susan MacManus and Dr. Dan Smith in a post-election wrap up discussion. MacManus and Smith brought their intricate knowledge of electoral politics and offered thought-provoking insight into the 2012 election season, making for a lively and riveting discussion. The event was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 in

David Figlio – Pitfalls and Promise of School Choice and Accountability

School choice and school accountability policies are designed to improve student outcomes by facilitating better matches between students and schools and by changing incentives for educators. However, the potential success or failure of these policies depends on the way they are designed. In his talk, David Figlio discussed the conditions under which choice and accountability

UF: The Past is Prologue

Marking and celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Morrill Act, which allowed for the creation of land-grant universities, was a panel discussion about the many challenges faced by UF in the past as it moves forward to the future. The program was held on Tuesday, Jan. 22 in Pugh Hall Room 170 at 6 p.m.

President Obama’s 2nd Term: Prospects for Immigration Reform

As President Obama's second term begins, one of the more pressing issues facing the nation is immigration reform. Can all sides come together to craft a sensible solution? The panel discussion explored these issues and the possibilities for immigration reform in the current political climate. The event was held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23