Richard Burr Joins Duke's Sanford School of Public Policy as Polis Distinguished Fellow

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Richard Burr, former U.S. Senator from North Carolina, is set to join the faculty of Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy as a Polis Distinguished Fellow. Burr will be a key figure in the newly launched "Bridging the Divide" initiative, a program aimed at fostering dialogue between groups with differing ideological and political views. This initiative will feature a series of events throughout the 2024/2025 academic year, with Burr playing an active role in each one.

The first event in the series is scheduled for September 9th and will feature a conversation between Burr and Alec D. Gallimore, Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Duke University. This event will mark the beginning of an ambitious effort to engage students, faculty, and the broader community in meaningful discussions about the future of American democracy.

Reflecting on his new role, Burr shared, "Serving as a Polis Distinguished Fellow is an exciting opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders, share with them the experiences and opportunities I had during my service in the United States Congress, and help promote the importance of participation in our government to solve problems for the American people."

Burr also emphasized the importance of understanding the foundational principles of American governance, stating, "Our American system of government has provided a stability and security that is the envy of the world. The separation of powers, with the three equal parts of a strong legislature and an executive with important and defined powers, both elected by the people in free and fair elections, and an independent judiciary with the power to interpret the Constitution and laws passed by Congress and enforced by the executive, prevents excess by the elected leaders to protect the freedoms the American people enjoy. Understanding the unique and important role that each of these branches of government serves, and the need to protect their structure for future generations, is critical to maintain a strong and stable nation."

Abdullah Antepli, Director of Polis, expressed his enthusiasm for Burr's arrival: "Having Richard Burr join us as a Polis Distinguished Fellow is a tremendous opportunity for our students and the broader Duke community. His extensive experience in public service and deep understanding of the complexities of American democracy will enrich our discussions and initiatives. I'm particularly excited about his involvement in our 'Bridging the Divide' initiative, where his insights and leadership will help foster meaningful dialogue across ideological lines. His commitment to fostering civic engagement aligns perfectly with our mission at Polis."

Manoj Mohanan, Interim Dean of Sanford, also shared his excitement: "We are thrilled to welcome Richard Burr to Sanford. His deep knowledge of governance and his dedication to public service will be invaluable as we continue to engage with complex political and social challenges. His role in the 'Bridging the Divide' initiative will not only benefit our students but also contribute to the broader conversation on how to navigate and resolve ideological differences in our society."

Burr’s appointment comes at a time when the Sanford School is expanding its efforts to engage with pressing political and social issues, making his contributions particularly timely and impactful. The "Bridging the Divide" initiative is expected to draw significant interest from those within and beyond the Duke community, as it addresses the urgent need for civil discourse in today’s polarized political environment.