The 2020 election’s aftermath, marked by claims of Trump inciting an insurrection, brought our political polarization into sharp focus. Despite Trump’s acquittal, certain states now seek to exclude him from ballots, invoking the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause. Originally intended to prevent former Confederate leaders from running for office after the Civil War, is it applicable today?

Should states have the authority to exclude a candidate from the presidential ballot? On what legal or constitutional grounds could such an exclusion be justified, and how might it align or conflict with federal election laws? What implications could this have for democracy?

The Socratic Inquiry Partnership (SIP) group will work within the Unitarian Universalist framework to establish clarity and mutual understanding of complex social issues. By discussing and challenging the terminology and ideas underpinning modern social discourse, we seek first to share an understanding even if we do not agree. Then, we question the ways our words, ideas, and resultant societal misunderstandings divide us and inhibit effective social engagement by the greater whole.

SIP meets the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.