Listen Here
Column By Dr. Ron Tulley, RTulley@Findlay.edu
It’s concerning when young adults, especially students, express discomfort in sharing their political views on campus. Universities should foster critical thinking, diversity of thought, and constructive dialogue, but increasingly, both students and faculty seem wary of political conversations. Some professors may even resort to outright bans on political discussion to avoid conflict, though I have not heard of that at UF. When this happens, it is a disservice to students by failing to teach them one of the most important skills they will need as engaged, adult citizens: the ability to engage in civil discourse, even on contentious issues. It is possible to discuss politics civilly, and in fact, it is our duty as faculty and adult leaders to teach students how to do so. Equipping them with the tools to navigate disagreements without animosity is part of the mission of “equipping for meaningful lives” in our mission statement.
The Case for Civil Discourse
Civil discourse is foundational to democracy. It enables people to engage with opposing ideas, to seek common ground, and to persuade others through reason rather than hostility. When universities avoid difficult conversations out of fear of conflict, they undermine the educational process. Sheltering students from political discourse prevents them from learning how to articulate their views, examine their beliefs critically, and engage respectfully with others who think differently.
Moreover, politics is often deeply intertwined with values and personal identities, so avoiding political conversations entirely may mean avoiding topics that matter most to people. By teaching students to engage in civil discourse, we help them develop empathy, open-mindedness, and the ability to coexist with diverse viewpoints—all of which are crucial skills in an increasingly polarized society.
In my mind a good way to approach civil discourse is with tactical approaches:
- Encourage Active Listening
One of the most effective ways to engage in civil discourse is to actively listen. Listening doesn’t mean waiting for your turn to speak, but rather fully understanding the other person’s point of view. Encourage students to ask clarifying questions like, “Can you explain what you mean by that?” or “How did you come to that conclusion?” This not only shows respect but also prevents misunderstandings and emotional reactions that might come from assuming someone’s position without fully hearing it. - Separate Ideas from Identity
One of the reasons political conversations can become heated is that people often tie their personal identities to their political beliefs. Teach students to focus on ideas rather than personal attacks. For example, rather than saying, “You’re wrong because you think X,” frame the discussion around the idea itself: “I see it differently because I believe Y.” This simple shift takes the personal element out of the disagreement and allows the conversation to focus on ideas and policies, rather than turning into an attack on the person. - Acknowledge Common Ground
Even in heated political debates, there’s often more common ground than people realize. Encourage students to find and acknowledge points of agreement before diving into the areas of disagreement. For example, if a discussion about healthcare becomes contentious, students can first agree that they both care about improving people’s well-being. This acknowledgment can diffuse tension and provide a basis for more respectful dialogue. - Use “I” Statements
Another powerful technique is to use “I” statements rather than “You” statements. “I” statements express personal feelings or beliefs without accusing or blaming the other person. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re being unreasonable,” a student could say, “I feel frustrated because I think we’re not considering all perspectives.” This tactic helps prevent defensiveness and keeps the focus on personal experience and perspective, rather than judgment. - Stay Curious and Open to Change
Encourage students to approach political discussions with curiosity rather than a desire to “win.” Civility in discourse thrives when people are genuinely curious about how others think, even if they don’t agree. A student might say, “That’s an interesting point—I hadn’t considered it that way. Can you tell me more?” This keeps the conversation constructive and less likely to devolve into hostility. Being open to learning from others also fosters a more productive dialogue.
Civil discourse around politics is possible, but it requires intentional effort and guidance. We should not avoid political discussions out of fear. Instead, we should embrace these opportunities to teach and model for students the skills they need to engage respectfully and productively with diverse perspectives. Students can learn how to navigate contentious political conversations without sacrificing civility through active listening, depersonalizing debates, acknowledging common ground, using “I” statements, and fostering curiosity. These are not just academic skills; they are life skills critical for fostering a more empathetic and cohesive society. I suspect this is something on which we all can agree.
