The Institute supports research on public policy and democratic institutions through endowed professorships, research fellowships and scholarships, as well as through sponsorship of research conferences and interdisciplinary research partnerships. A focus of the institute has been on the quality of democracy, and the role of civility in America.
Frank Church Conference 2016 – Oct 28th – Morning Session
October 28, 2016 | Boise, ID
Distinguished Professor Cornell Clayton speaks at the Frank Church Conference at Boise State University. Please make note Dr. Clayton speak at exactly 24 minutes in.
Anger and Division in American Politics
October 24, 2016
Dr. Cornell Clayton discusses Anger and Division in American Politics.
Can incivility be good for our democracy?
August 1, 2016 | Spokane, WA
Bill Radke speaks with Washington State University professor Cornell Clayton about the role political incivility plays in our democracy. Find more information and discussion. Listen on on KUOW.
One nation, divisible: The polarization of the American electorate
July 21, 2016 | Spokane, WA
Dr. Cornell Clayton directs the Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service at Washington State University. Dr. Travis Ridout is a Thomas S. Foley Distinguished Professor of Government and Public Policy at WSU.
They joined KUOW’s Ross Reynolds in a Humanities Washington Think & Drink discussion at Naked City Brewery on July 12. Find more information and discussion at KUOW.
Civility & Democracy in America Conference
March 3–5, 2011 | Spokane, WA
The Foley Institute, in partnership with Humanities Washington and the Idaho Humanities Council, hosted a major conference in Spokane, March 3-5, 2011. Funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the conference was part of a month-long national dialogue on civility and democracy sponsored by the NEH during March.
Sam Reed Distinguished Professorship
The Foley Institute is honored to announce the creation of the Sam Reed Distinguished Professorship in Civic Education and Public Civility.
Sam Reed, a WSU alumnus, served the citizens of Washington for over 34 years in public office, first as county auditor for Thurston County and for 12 years as Washington’s Secretary of State.
The professorship, the fourth to be housed in the institute and the first created since the institute was initially established, recognizes Secretary Reed’s years of dedicated public service and his extraordinary commitment to civility and civic education. Read more about the Sam Reed Distinguished Professorship.