Crossroads Academy’s mission statement includes the aspiration to inspire students to “contribute actively to intellectual, cultural, and civic life” and my colleagues and I take this goal very seriously. In today’s world, fostering active civic engagement for our future leaders is more important than ever. And as a first step, schools need to help students learn how to discuss difficult topics with competing perspectives–all while practicing careful listening, thoughtfully questioning points of view, and developing a keen awareness of the way their opinions and behaviors affect others.
It is not easy to create and sustain an environment that encourages a respectful exchange of politically charged ideas. Teachers have to navigate students’ individual, cultural, and religious values as well as the omni-present influence of the media that has become more polarizing in recent years. It’s no wonder that some teachers are wary of assuming these responsibilities, especially given the fear of parent backlash or a lack of support from their administration.
Yet, it is equally clear that students need to practice talking with each other about controversial topics, and adults can both model and coach respectful methods to do this in non-partisan ways that allow for different perspectives to be heard. In positive learning environments where these exchanges flow freely, students have the potential to increase their knowledge of history and current events while cultivating the dispositions that lead to productive civic engagement. Along the way, students may become more interested in political activities and more likely to stay informed with current events. Some might argue that a healthy democracy depends on a number of people who have these inclinations and the motivation to stay engaged on a civic level. In fact, these are the very skills, knowledge, and dispositions that create and sustain a just society.
It is much easier to shut down conversations that move toward the edges of controversy and not allow students to discuss politically charged subjects. But ultimately, this approach doesn’t serve our students, the school’s learning environment, or our society. Schools that include the aspiration for civic engagement in their missions should never compromise this goal, particularly when educators aspire to nurture environments where ideas and perspectives are always freely exchanged.
