The Department of Politics and Government welcomed Dr. Steven W. Webster, associate professor and director of the Center on American Politics at Indiana University, for the annual Hibbert R. Roberts Lecture in Public Policy on October 27. Webster presented “Partisan Anger and Partisan Dehumanization,” exploring the relationship between political polarization, partisan hostility, and the growing divide between Americans with opposing political views.
The lecture brought together students, faculty, and members of the University community to consider the implications of increasing political division in the United States. Students had the opportunity to engage with contemporary political research and explore how partisan identities and perceptions of political opponents influence American political discourse.
The Hibbert R. Roberts Lectureship was established by Dr. Roberts’ family and friends to honor his legacy as a department chair, mentor, colleague, advocate, and friend to faculty and students. His contributions to the University and undergraduate education throughout Illinois, including his service with the Illinois Board of Higher Education Committee for the Study of Undergraduate Education, remain significant.
The annual lecture continues to honor Roberts’ commitment to higher education by bringing distinguished scholars to campus and encouraging meaningful engagement with contemporary issues in public policy.