How students can encourage dialogue on campus

Campus discourse should be predicated on the presumption of respect for differences, including different points of view.

True dialogue necessitates not only thoughtful words but also sincere attempts to understand and respond directly to the words of others.

Take courses that expose you to new topics and different perspectives and use classroom discussions to explore your own thinking. Talk to your friends, classmates, and neighbors about ideas you are encountering, and issues on campus and in the world.

Violence, threats, and harassment are never appropriate. But vociferous, adamant, and contentious argument has its place in an environment dedicated to intellectual inquiry.

Being respectful means being mindful of language and reflecting on the history and implications of certain words and phrases that may alienate others.

Take advantage of an environment designed to facilitate open inquiry and debate. Write an op-ed for the student newspaper.Attend talks from a diversity of invited speakers. Use college and university libraries and resources to learn more. Discuss topics you care about in class or with your professors. Facilitate dialogues and debates within and across student groups.

Or start one! Peer educators can play an important role in shaping campus dialogue by facilitating orientation sessions, providing trainings for student groups, and hosting on-campus events.