Hot-Button Issues on Campus: How to Civilly Exchange Viewpoints
Campuses traditionally have been places for rigorous debate and the exchange of viewpoints. However, recent political polarization across the U.S. around hot-button issues such as abortion, the election, and the Israel-Hamas war have heightened tensions at U.S. colleges and universities.
Just as in the workplace—where students will eventually head for internships and employment—college should be a place where people feel safe offering different points of view. How does a student engage in discussions in a civil manner, and how can they handle people with opposing views who are uncivil toward them?
Experts shared several tips with SHRM.
‘Replace Judgment with Curiosity’
“Speech can be regulated according to time, place, and manner,” said Richard Birke, who has more than 35 years of experience in dispute resolution. He serves as chief architect of Irvine, Calif.-based JAMS Pathways, a provider of customized conflict resolution and mediation services.
“More importantly, in a civilized society, just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should. Listen more than you talk. Ask clarifying questions. You don’t necessarily have to respond,” he noted. “Replace judgment with curiosity. If someone disagrees with you, you probably have something to learn. As a student, nurture your curiosity.”
Jennifer Gershberg, J.D., former faculty member at the University of Maryland, concurred.
“Your goal in college should be to learn as much as you can and to increase your exposure to different ideas and people. It doesn’t do you any good to stay in a comfortable bubble interacting only with people like you,” said Gershberg, who taught at UMD’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.