Civil Discourse

At ÂÌñÉç, we are committed to inspiring individuals to pursue lives of meaning and purpose. Central to this vision is our dedication to providing students with a world-class liberal arts education that not only stimulates intellect and ignites passion but also shapes character. As we uphold our core values of integrity, excellence, curiosity, responsibility, and caring, we recognize that fostering civil discourse is essential for nurturing a vibrant and inclusive community.

Civil discourse serves as the cornerstone of meaningful connections within our school community. It empowers individuals to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, even amidst differing perspectives and challenging topics. By embracing civil discourse, we not only honor the diverse voices and backgrounds within our community but also cultivate empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.

In the face of divisive political climates and societal challenges, the importance of civil discourse cannot be overstated. It enables us to navigate complexities with grace and integrity, bridging divides and fostering collaboration towards shared goals. Through open dialogue and active engagement, we uphold our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Explore our community norms and guidelines for constructive dialogue, along with valuable resources to support you and your children in navigating difficult conversation

Click here to read ÂÌñÉç’s statement on Institutional Objectivity.

“Asking “why,” right then [during a conversation], shows curiosity. But not just any curiosity; a curiosity about people whose whole worldview is not just different from yours, but opposed. This is the kind of radical curiosity that’s going to save our relationships and, eventually, our whole society.” -Mónica Guzmán, 2022

This quote from Mónica Guzmán’s TEDxSeattle Talk reinstates the why behind civil dialogue, it reinforces the timeless importance of conversation, and it simply regrounds us in humanity as we all collectively navigate societal, political, and global complexities beyond ourselves and our communities. Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at , a nonprofit working to depolarize America; host of , a podcast that equips people with the tools they need to bridge the political divide in their everyday lives; founder and CEO of , an organization working to build a more curious world; and author of  At ÂÌñÉç, we were lucky to have a facilitated Q&A about Mónica’s work, which centers on emphasizing listening, practicing curiosity, and asking critical questions to one another; which, in turn, affirms each of our own unique experiences, lives, and lenses. Her approach is aligned with our Liberal Arts approach to learning, and we are so grateful Mónica spent time on campus working with faculty, staff and students. Time spent fostering and practicing our own curiosity skills was a gift as we build on our theme of the year, Together.