Civil Discourse
As an educational institution, we have a responsibility to model civil discourse grounded in the values of our school. This requires curious and compassionate communication that seeks to bridge differences while honoring the dignity of each individual.
Developing engaged citizenship is fundamental to the school’s mission. It is also part of the guiding purpose for all schools, defined by vibrant and diverse intellectual inquiry, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue. Our students need the freedom to inquire or express their ideas, so that they can learn to respectfully engage with each other and with public life. Embracing a spirit of inquiry, we center students and recognize that what is best for their learning is the creation of an educational experience that develops their reasoning and critical thinking skills.
The following principles are intended to guide conversations that may prove challenging.
Head of School Provides Thought Leadership on the Topic of Civil Discourse
Rev. Spencer wrote The Purpose of School: Sustaining Democracy and Cultivating Humanity in March 2024 for the NAIS “Independent Ideas Blog,” where he reflects on the need to cultivate teachers as leaders in the civil discourse needed to uphold democracy.
Be present
- Consider the time and place for dialogue
- Pay attention to your own emotions, reactions, and responses
- Recognize the impact of your word choice and body language
- Pause the conversation and return to it at a later time if necessary
Be clear in your purpose
- Challenge the idea, not the person
- Differentiate between facts and opinions
- Acknowledge that resolution may not happen, but make a plan for next steps
- Aim to emerge with everyone’s dignity intact
Be more curious than certain
- Respond with honest, open questions
- Consider what both you and the other person may have at stake
- Share your truth in ways that honor other perspectives
- Understanding each other better is a sign of success
Be relationship-centered
- Affirm relationship and common purpose as you enter; return to these as you proceed
- Celebrate common ground
- Observe confidentiality when requested
- Be kind, fair, and thoughtful if you tell the story of your conversation
Conversation Planning Tool
Before the Conversation:
- Consider the time and place for dialog.
- How much time feels ample without being burdensome?
- Where will participants feel most at ease?
- Be clear on your purpose and personal intention(s) in the conversation.
- Consider what you and the other person(s) may have at stake.
- Differentiate between facts and opinions.
- Affirm relationship and common purpose as you invite and enter the dialog.
- Remind yourself and others that it’s okay to hit the pause button and come back to the conversation at a later time.
- Aim to emerge with everyone’s dignity intact.
During the Conversation:
- Be as fully present as possible.
- Minimize distractions.
- Listen to understand the point of view of others instead of planning your response.
- Be more curious than certain.
- Respond to others with honest, open questions.
- Share your truth in ways that honors other perspectives
- Pay attention to your own emotions, reactions and responses (and take a break if needed).
- Recognize the impact of your word choices and body language.
Following the Conversation:
- Resolution may not happen, but make a plan for next steps.
- Are follow up actions or further meetings required? If so, who is responsible for arranging them?
- Who needs to be informed of agreements or outcomes?
- Remember that understanding each other better is a sign of success.
- Be kind, fair, and thoughtful if you tell the story of your conversation.