The Divided States of America
January 18, 2026 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Speaker: Earl Leiken, Senior Fellow, Levin College of Public Affairs & Education,
CSU and Lecturer, Siegal College of Lifetime Learning, CWRU; former Mayor,
Shaker Heights
How Did We Get This Way?
Why has America become so deeply divided — politically, culturally, and interpersonally?
Drawing from a course he teaches at Siegal College, former Shaker Heights Mayor Earl Leiken explores the psychological, cultural, and economic forces that have driven Americans apart. This program will examine insights from multiple experts and research on the full political spectrum — from progressives to MAGA supporters — to better understand the roots of polarization. And beyond diagnosis comes the harder question: Can’t we just all get along? If so, how?
Speaker:
In person in Fellowship Hall
or via Zoom: link
