The Texas Lyceum launched a Campaign for Civility based on the belief that Texas thrives when Texas leaders from across the aisle, and other divides, work together to advance our Great State. Beyond our call for civility in the public and private arena, in the true spirit of the Texas Lyceum, we’re excited to share these videos showcasing Lyceum relationships that model individuals from different political perspectives working together and forming meaningful relationships and friendships. These relationships, either formed or deepened through the Texas Lyceum, have enabled Lyceumites to broaden their understanding of issues, gaining respect for "the other," ultimately creating the environment for Lyceumites to solve problems across the aisle for the benefit of Texans. We are eager to share inspiration from these multipartisan relationships with leaders across our State, as we work together to rebuild our civic fabric after a toxically divided election.
Molly Beth Malcolm and Johnny Sutton
Molly Beth Malcolm, Lyceum class of 2011, and Johnny Sutton, Lyceum class of 2006, met at a Texas Lyceum conference. At the time, Molly Beth was running the Texas Democratic Party, and Johnny was working as a Policy Director in the (Republican) Governor’s office. While they worked to advance different party agendas, by the end of their second Lyceum conference, the two became fast friends and have remained so to this day.
Larry Peterson and Lukin Gilliland
Former Lyceum Presidents Larry Peterson, Lyceum class of 1997, and Lukin Gilliland, Lyceum class of 1993, met at a Lyceum conference on biotech and went on to work together on many projects benefiting Texas. While they regularly debate how different their politics actually are, as Lukin says, “they look at the big picture the same way.” Their suggestion for the rest of us: to abandon the party line, “look at real facts” with people from different political perspectives, and find common ground.
Andrew Romero and Tam Hawkins
Like many Lyceum friendships, Andrew Romero and Tam Hawkins’ relationship was solidified on a long bus ride during a Lyceum conference. The conversation that paved the way for a lifetime friendship: sharing their perspectives and experiences with law enforcement against the backdrop of a difficult national conversation about race in America. Since that bus ride, Andrew, a former police officer, and Tam, President and CEO of the Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, have shown up on behalf of each other time and time again. Their example is one of many on the importance of leaning into even the most challenging conversations, listening with the intent to understand, staying curious, and leading with kindness and love.
Stay tuned for more stories of civil discourse and common ground throughout the year.
