As Higher Ed professionals, we are positioned at the intersection of students’ personal, academic, and social lives. To take it one step further, it often feels like when we are trying to help students, we can only pick two of those three priorities (insert a woozy face emoji here.) During a high-pressure political season, emotions can and will run high, and political discussions can easily become contentious. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to encourage and promote civility among our students to create a safe(r), inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and respected. While the political landscape can feel overwhelming, we have a unique opportunity to guide students in navigating these complex conversations in a healthy and productive way.
Why Civility Matters in a High-Pressure Political Climate
At its core, civility is about treating others with respect, even when we disagree. In the context of political discussions, civility means engaging in thoughtful, respectful dialogue, recognizing the humanity of the person on the other side of the conversation. For our students, who are often developing their own political beliefs for the first time, learning how to engage civilly with opposing viewpoints is a critical life skill.
When civility breaks down, it can lead to a divisive atmosphere, especially in residence halls. A lack of respectful dialogue can erode trust between students, leading to cliques, isolation, and even hostile environments. Rather than using policy as a crutch, what would it look like if our goal shifted to foster an inclusive and respectful community that thrives on healthy, constructive interactions? This isn’t just about keeping the peace—it’s about preparing our students to be thoughtful, engaged citizens in an increasingly polarized world.
A Gentle Reminder of the Complexities of Politics and Personal Identity
Political discussions can be deeply personal and emotionally charged, as they often intersect with individual identities and beliefs. It’s important to always assess your own personal safety, mental health, and readiness to engage before entering into these conversations. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stuck, don’t hesitate to seek support from available resources. Thoughtful dialogue requires care, and sometimes the best choice is to step back to protect your well-being.
Key Challenges to Civility During Political Seasons
Promoting civility sounds straightforward, but we all know it’s easier said than done—especially when emotions are running high. Understanding the specific challenges we face during these times can help us better prepare for and address issues as they arise.
- Emotional Investment
Politics often taps into deeply held beliefs, values, and identities. Students may feel a strong emotional attachment to certain political issues, which can make political conversations feel personal and intense. This emotional investment can lead to heated arguments or even hurtful comments when students feel their beliefs are being challenged.
- Social Media’s Role
Let’s face it—social media doesn’t always encourage thoughtful debate. Social media can amplify extreme viewpoints and reward snappy, sometimes aggressive responses. Students may bring the combative tone of online discourse into in-person interactions, which can fuel misunderstandings and escalate tensions.
- Polarization of Views
Our society is more politically polarized than ever, and this polarization is reflected in our student populations. The tendency to view political opponents as enemies, rather than individuals with different perspectives, can make it difficult for students (and sometimes even us) to engage in civil dialogue. In a residence hall environment, this kind of polarization will almost always result in tension among roommates, hallmates, and various student groups.
Strategies for Promoting Civility in Residence Halls
While these challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. We can help students navigate political discussions by modeling civility ourselves and teaching them the tools to engage in respectful, thoughtful dialogue.
- Active Listening
Encourage students to listen to understand, not just to respond. Many disagreements arise from misunderstandings or assumptions about the other person’s views. By promoting active listening, we can help students approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to truly hear their peers’ perspectives. In workshops, bulletin boards, or casual conversations, emphasize the importance of listening without interrupting or formulating a counter-argument while the other person is speaking.
- Focus on Common Values
While students may have different opinions on political issues, they often share common values, such as a desire for justice, fairness, or equality. Encourage students to identify these shared values in their conversations, which can help to humanize opposing viewpoints and build a foundation for more respectful discussions.
- Avoiding Ad Hominem Attacks
One of the simplest ways to promote civility is to remind students to avoid personal attacks during disagreements. Political arguments often escalate when students attack the person rather than the idea. Offering resources on logical fallacies, including ad hominem attacks, can be a useful tool in helping students recognize and avoid this pitfall.
- Setting Boundaries
Teach students that it’s okay to disengage from a conversation when it becomes too heated or unproductive. Setting personal boundaries—like agreeing to take a break when emotions run high or walking away from a conversation that’s become hostile—can prevent discussions from turning into confrontations. Hosting workshops on conflict resolution can give students the language and confidence they need to navigate these moments.
As Higher Ed professionals, we have the unique opportunity (and sometimes duty) to not only promote, but also practice) civility during politically charged times. In doing so, we not only help our students become more engaged and thoughtful citizens but also contribute to the broader goal of strengthening our democracy—one conversation at a time.
