Interfaith America (IA) and the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest public university system, launched a new partnership in June 2026 that brings together ten campuses in a cohort focused on equipping senior leaders to develop and implement sustainable plans for pluralism.

Representing the breadth of American higher education, the SUNY cohort includes nationally ranked R1 universities, public liberal arts colleges, public regional universities, rural and urban campuses, and a community college. SUNY Chancellor John B. King has identified pluralism as one of the system’s top civic priorities for the year.

Interfaith America defines pluralism as the practice of engaging diversity in ways that foster mutual respect, build meaningful relationships across differences, and advance shared goals through cooperation. As polarization continues to challenge campuses and communities nationwide, colleges and universities are increasingly turning to pluralism to equip students to lead and work in a diverse society.

“As an organization with over two decades of bridgebuilding expertise in the U.S. higher education context, IA is well-positioned to partner with SUNY campuses as they articulate and advance sustainable strategies for their distinct environments,” said Cassie Meyer, Director of Campus Partnerships at Interfaith America.