Managing Difficult Conversations: Civil Discourse on College Campuses

• In Event: Civic Engagement and Service Learning on College Campuses

Abstract

Much attention as of late has centered on the state of civil discourse in our democracy, with many people expressing apprehension toward engaging those with whom they may disagree. However, given the recent trends of extreme polarization and increased skepticism toward the “other side,” how can political science educators best facilitate civic engagement and civil discourse to promote and ensure the continued health of our democracy? This is particularly true on college campuses, where civil discourse is especially salient, given recent contentious debates surrounding Israel and Gaza, anti-semitism, and the role of the university in society as a marketplace for ideas and scholarship. The landscape of civil discourse on campuses has been especially important in the state of Florida. Florida’s policymakers have simultaneously supported civic education initiatives, such as the high school and collegiate civic literacy requirements; and promoted policies undermining broad civil discourse, such as defunding of DEI initiatives, and discouraging the discussion of critical theories of race and feminism. This has created an ambiguous and treacherous terrain for nascent participants in our democracy.
Here, I explore how civil discourse initiatives termed, “Policy Over Pastries,” hosted on the University of Florida campus increases efficacy and students’ willingness to engage. Policy over Pastries events, monthly small group discussions were hosted on the University of Florida campus over the course of the 2023-2024 academic year. During these sessions, students were guided on the tools of civil discourse in the context of a current controversial topic, including the Israel - Palestine conflict, censorship and the media, gun control, and abortion. These conversations were facilitated by undergraduate students and faculty experts. Evidence suggests that in addition to gaining substantive knowledge on a particular topic, students who participated in these sessions expressed increased willingness to engage with others who may disagree with their views, and were more confident in their ability to understand current events and have meaningful interactions with their peers and others. These sessions can be replicated in the classroom or in an extracurricular setting, making them a versatile and useful tool for facilitating and increasing civil discourse and civic engagement. These are habits that build responsible, informed citizens, who will be better equipped to sustain our democracy.

Author

• Teresa Cornacchione, University of Florida