WILLIAMSBURG, Va., July 13 -- William and Mary issued the following news release:
The following story originally appeared in the spring 2026 issue of the W&M Alumni Magazine. - Ed.
Jack Thomas '22, M.P.P. '23 graduated during what he describes as a "forest fire of polarization," a time when division in the country increased animosity and left many Americans feeling "viciously angry" at those who disagree with them.
He observed these fires of polarization in social media interactions, in public meetings and in how politicians traded personal attacks across the aisle. As decorum continued to degrade on the congressional floor, Thomas saw a contrast between the intense political climate and the culture of civility emphasized at William & Ma...