This is one of four case studies commissioned by New Pluralists to explore instances of pluralism in practice—what it looks like, what it accomplishes, and what we’re learning about what works and what doesn’t work. Two of the case studies focus on interpersonal or intergroup approaches, where people deepen their understanding and connections with one another, and two focus on collective approaches, where diverse groups work together to change local policies, culture, and decision-making.

This case study focuses on an interpersonal approach. Several organizations -- Making Caring Common, Generation Citizen, and Rural Assembly -- came together for a joint project to understand what it takes to do bridging work in the classroom. Teachers are important bridge-builders: they help students connect and celebrate the many forms of difference present in the classroom, facilitate constructive dialogue about social and political topics, and are increasingly navigating local and state legislation that prevents open discussion of topics like race, sexuality, and religion.

View Resource