Institute for Diversity and Civic Life

05/15/2026

Join us on Monday, June 1st from 5-7 pm at Batch for a conversation with David Griscom, author of the newly-published The Myth of Red Texas: Cowboys, Populism, and Class War in the Radical South and Alex Birnel, an organizer and founding member of MOVE Texas, as they discuss how we tell the story of Texas, who’s been left out of those narratives, and how telling a more expansive story of this state can help us forge a path to the future.

Drawing from Griscom’s new book, they will explore the often invisibilized tradition of cowboys, farmers and radicals raising hell against the moneyed interests and the right-wing in Texas, making for a lively and timely conversation as we consider progressive movement-building in the Lone Star State.

Books for purchase and book signing on site. 🔗Go to the link in our bio to rsvp! 🔗See you there!

04/29/2026

We’re excited to announce our upcoming event on June 1st from 5-7 pm, “Re-Storying Texas: Beyond the Myth of Red Texas” featuring David Griscom, author of the newly published “The Myth of Red Texas: Cowboys, Populism, and Class War in the Radical South” and Alex Birnel, organizer and founding member of MOVE Texas. Together, they will discuss how we tell the story of Texas, who’s been left out of those narratives, and how telling a more expansive story of this state can help us forge a path to the future.

The book will be available to purchase on site. Please join us at Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches for what promises to be a timely and lively conversation.

04/01/2026

At IDCL, we believe knowledge should be shared, accessible, and rooted in community.

But what does that actually look like in practice?

In this new Substack piece, our ED reflects on public scholarship, the Scholar Stories project, and why this work is essential to building a more democratic and pluralistic society.

Link in comments.

03/13/2026

Check out the latest post on our Substack, Come and Tell It. Our ED reflects on our name, how we got started, and how we're working to shape democracy in Texas.

And if you haven't already, subscribe to our Substack!

You can ban DEI, but you can’t ban diversity. An essay on pluralism, democracy, and why diversity remains central to civic life in Texas.

12/31/2025

As we wind down this year and prepare ourselves for the new year to come, we take heart in the words of IDCL's friend and collaborator, David Brockman. We wish you all a new year full of light and liberation!

At the close of an awful year, a religion scholar offers reflections on resisting despair in dark times, for the religious and non-religious alike.

12/11/2025

If you’re still looking for a way to this season, check out the link in our bio to learn how you can help us !

Each gift helps us create resources and open conversations about belonging, representation, and recognition here in TX.

We can’t do this work without you!

12/05/2025

If you've been working on a public-facing project related to religion, please fill out this survey! This will be a valuable resource for others working in this space!

Please click the link to complete this form.

12/02/2025

Today is ! At IDCL, we are on a mission to build bridges across differences and expand civic imaginations through storytelling, research, and education. And we need your support!

Your contribution will help us record and preserve the stories of communities across Texas, amplify the voices of historically excluded peoples, and create resources and public conversations about belonging, representation, and recognition.

Donate today and help us !

Donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2053228475429394/

11/19/2025

We're glad to be co-hosting the Public Scholars Networking Reception with American Council of Learned Societies and American Academy of Religion at the AAR Annual Meeting once again this year. If you plan to be there in Boston, please join us!

11/19/2025

We're thrilled to be collaborating with American Council of Learned Societies and American Academy of Religion on this important project that will help bring visibility to public facing and community engaged scholarship.

Please click the link to complete this form.

11/17/2025

"Transcription is the art of listening twice." Great tips from TOHA here!