Engagement, Discourse… Clout? How the Institute of Politics Selects Its Pritzker Fellows Cohort
The University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics (IOP) has long been a site for spirited debate and intellectual engagement, but recent years have seen increased scrutiny of the institute’s quarterly Pritzker Fellows Program. Students have questioned the selection process, with particular attention on the inclusion of Fellows with controversial political backgrounds, such as former members of the Trump administration. Concerns center on what students may internalize from speakers with polarizing viewpoints.
To better understand the values and considerations driving these choices, The Gate spoke with IOP Executive Director Zeenat Rahman and Senior Director Jennifer Steinhauer, who oversees the Fellows Program and Speaker Series events at the institute. Their insights shed light on a selection process deeply committed to diversity, critical engagement and respect for civil discourse, underscoring how the IOP seeks to cultivate students’ civic consciousness.
It’s essential to clarify the role of a Pritzker Fellow at the University of Chicago’s IOP as defined by their organization. The Pritzker Fellows Program is designed to foster civility, rigorous inquiry and public service by bringing a diverse cohort of former elected officials, campaign and policy strategists, journalists, civic organizers and other practitioners to campus each quarter for an immersive, eight-week residency. While at the university, Pritzker Fellows engage deeply with students, leading weekly off-the-record seminars, holding office hours and participating in social functions. These 75-minute seminars allow Fellows to explore topics or events through the lens of their careers and experiences, often utilizing formats like simulations and tabletop exercises to foster dynamic discussions.
Additionally, Fellows make time for one-on-one meetings with students, offering mentorship and discussing a range of subjects, from current events to career advice. Selected based on their experience in politics or public service, as well as their ability to connect with the academic community, Pritzker Fellows are expected to bring invaluable perspectives to UChicago’s campus. Beyond seminars and office hours, they are encouraged to audit courses, engage with student organizations and explore Hyde Park and the broader Chicago area, enhancing the cultural and intellectual richness of their time at the university.
Rahman and Steinhauer reiterated these objectives and shared how the IOP has upheld its core mission, which revolves around creating a space where students can critically engage with a wide range of ideas.
“The primary mode of learning takes place through the seminar series, which mirrors small class discussions and leverages each Fellow’s area of expertise and network,” Rahman explains.
The seminars provide students with unique insights that extend beyond academic theory, grounding their education in the real-world experiences of people who have shaped policy, driven social movements, or brought attention to underrepresented issues.
Rahman, who brings over two decades of experience from the U.S. Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), emphasizes that this structured dialogue serves as a form of civic education.
“We try to create a space where students can hear those points of view and then actually engage and interrogate those points of view,” she said, adding, “it’s about learning how to engage with the world as it is.” This ethos is further shaped by Rahman’s previous work advocating for interfaith understanding and pluralism—themes that also resonate in her approach to the Pritzker Fellows Program.
Steinhauer, a seasoned journalist who joined the IOP’s staff after a long career spent reporting for The New York Times, brings a similar conviction to her role.
“Having been a journalist for 25 years and worked in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., I would say that my knowledge of key players in the news—who are often, though not exclusively, the individuals we seek for Fellows and speakers—as well as my industry contacts, has had significant application,” she said.
Drawing on her extensive experience navigating political arenas throughout her career, Steinhauer deeply understands the importance of exposing students to diverse viewpoints.
“I would love to see more students who disagree with a Fellow engage with people they don’t agree with to hear what they have to say,” she said. “The IOP tries to teach students how to not just sit back and listen, but how to respond thoughtfully and form questions that go deeper.”
The Pritzker Fellows are selected through a hybrid process that involves both direct applications and active recruitment. According to Rahman, a committee made up of IOP leadership and student representatives assesses each applicant.
“Every single application is read carefully,” Steinhauer noted, explaining that the team looks for candidates who “can bridge the students’ academic study with real, practical experiences.”
While some Fellows apply directly through the IOP’s online portal, a significant portion are chosen through targeted outreach. Steinhauer notes that she pays “close attention to people who are leaving their jobs” whom she thinks “would be of interest to our students,” and then reaches out to invite them to the IOP.
This strategy allows the Institute to include a mix of traditional and unconventional voices, from politicians to journalists to community organizers. “The perfect cohort would be a little bit of everything,” Steinhauer remarked, emphasizing the importance of varied experiences.
The IOP’s commitment to diversity isn’t limited to demographics—Rahman explains that the committee looks at “diversity by all measures—sector, ideology, demographics and regional or geographic area of expertise.” This holistic approach is designed to create a balanced cohort that provides students with a broad spectrum of perspectives.
Steinhauer shares that she avoids creating cohorts that “over-index for one type of person,” describing a typical cohort as “a mix of public figures, activists, journalists and other experts who each bring something different to the table.” For example, the Fall 2023 Pritzker Fellow Cohort included Rhymefest, a hip-hop artist and activist, who spoke about his role in local Chicago social movements alongside a former city council member who led a reparations initiative.
“We want students to see that there are various paths into public service and social impact,” Rahman explained.
Despite these efforts to build diverse cohorts, some students have voiced concerns about the IOP inviting controversial figures. Rahman acknowledges the challenges but believes that bringing in diverse, and even polarizing voices, is essential for students’ development.
“What we do look through the lens of is, can that person have productive engagement?” she said. “We don’t want somebody to come in who’s just going to be a flame thrower. That’s not what the IOP is.” This process ensures that while perspectives may differ, Fellows are selected for their ability to foster constructive dialogue.
Steinhauer echoes this view, stating that students are encouraged to come to the seminars with prepared questions, ready to “engage directly with people they disagree with” and challenge assumptions. “We’re providing an opportunity and a space for that intersection of ideas to happen,” she says. The aim is for students to practice civil discourse and learn how to navigate differences in opinion, an invaluable skill for future leaders.
As Rahman reflects, “Students realize that there are various paths of entry and end jobs in public service,” and the Pritzker Fellows Program embodies this diversity, allowing students to “move beyond textbook learning” and critically engage with the real world. Both Rahman and Steinhauer view the feedback from students as a positive aspect of the IOP experience.
“We know we’re going to get feedback, and we welcome it,” Steinhauer said, reinforcing the idea that students’ perspectives are a vital part of shaping the program.
The 2024 Fall quarter’s cohort of Pritzker Fellows exemplifies the IOP’s commitment to fostering a diversity of perspectives. The group features notable figures such as Ken Buck, a former Republican Congressman known for his conservative stances, and Génesis Dávila, a human rights lawyer advocating for justice in Venezuela. The inclusion of figures like Chuck Todd, NBC’s Chief Political Analyst, and Katie Tobin, a former National Security Council advisor, highlights the program’s effort to bridge political and professional divides.
However, the presence of Ken Buck, in particular, has sparked conversation among students about balancing the value of controversial viewpoints with the program’s goals of constructive dialogue. This variety of experiences underscores Rahman and Steinhauer’s belief in the importance of exposing students to differing perspectives while maintaining a focus on productive engagement. Whether or not every Fellow resonates with the student body, this cohort embodies the program’s aim to “engage with the world as it is,” encouraging critical thought and meaningful discourse.
As Rahman notes, “We’re always looking for those interesting storytellers,” and through their engagement with these diverse voices, students gain a deeper understanding of public service and its many facets.
The Pritzker Fellows Program at the IOP exemplifies the University of Chicago’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive civic education. For Rahman and Steinhauer, the IOP’s mission extends beyond mere exposure to notable figures; it’s about equipping students with the skills they need to navigate today’s complex public sphere. By embracing a model of open and respectful dialogue, the Pritzker Fellows Program challenges students to “engage with the world as it is” and prepare for a life in public service that values both conviction and understanding.
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