Discussion over Division
It’s almost a cliché to say that we’re living in a polarized society. And that’s all the more reason why law students need to learn to navigate differences in a respectful and civil manner, both as advocates and as responsible members of society.
With that goal in mind, about 25 Scalia Law students met over box suppers on October 25 as part of the school’s “Discussion Over Division” series. Developed by Professor JoAnn Koob, director of the Law School’s Liberty & Law Center, the one‐hour discussion provided a forum for students to explore some of today’s most contentious issues: social media and freedom of speech, criminal justice, foreign policy, healthcare crises, and immigration.
After a brief introduction on the importance and practice of civil discourse, Koob invited the students to form small groups and examine a topic, using a conversation guide to prompt in‐depth conversations about the various topics. Through these conversations, students gain practice advocating their own viewpoints and listening to and understanding opposing viewpoints.
“Student feedback was very positive,” Koob said. “Our post‐event survey included comments such as ‘Everyone was respectful and considerate of other views,’ and ‘We have more in common than we think.’” Koob added that every student surveyed said that they would participate in another Discussion Over Division event.
The law school has conducted Discussion Over Division sessions at other schools, including William & Mary Law School and the University of Iowa College of Law The series continues in the spring semester at both Scalia Law and the University of Wisconsin Law School.