Stanford
ePluribus Stanford Critical Inquiry. Constructive Dialogue. Engaged Citizenship.

About ePluribus Stanford

Leadership

Jenny S. Martinez

University Provost

Debra Satz

Senior Advisor and University Liaison

Dan Edelstein

Faculty Co-Director

Norman Spaulding

Faculty Co-Director

Karina Kloos

Executive Director

Motivation

Both universities and democratic societies rely on pluralistic cultures, in which the existence of multiple, sometimes contradictory opinions is common and even beneficial. The skills that enable us to listen to each other, learn from these differences, and live amidst those with whom we disagree are therefore indispensable.

Stanford’s founding grant rests on these same convictions: that the advancement of learning and the formation of reflective and engaged citizens are mutually constitutive enterprises.

It is these same, intrinsically linked principles and purposes that animate the new ePluribus Stanford initiative, recommitting to a culture of critical inquiry, constructive dialogue, and reflective and engaged citizenship. 

Why "ePluribus"?

ePluribus began as a Stanford Law School workshop, co-created by Faculty Director Norman Spaulding. The name derives from the U.S. motto, "ePluribus Unum," or “from many, one.” It drops the "Unum" because collective endeavor across differences can be meaningful and rewarding – and when living in community, is necessary – even without emerging from the encounter in agreement. Still, ePluribus Stanford aims to strengthen our campus community while embracing our differences.

Our Approach

  • ePluribus Stanford is a campus-wide initiative, one of the top priorities of our university leadership.
  • It is a collaborative endeavor, serving as the connective tissue across multiple existing as well as new efforts at Stanford.
  • We take an integrative approach touching upon every part of university life – curricular, co-curricular, and residential.
  • Our work is fundamentally about elevating a campus culture – the values, skills, and habits – of critical inquiry, constructive dialogue, and engaged citizenship by embedding these within campus life.