Navigating Political Tensions on College Campuses: Key Strategies

Rich Birke of JAMS Pathways, a conflict resolution organization, provided key insights to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on managing political tensions in campus environments. With the rise of polarization around topics like abortion, elections, and the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. colleges and universities are increasingly facing challenges in maintaining a civil exchange of viewpoints. As students prepare to transition into the workforce, learning how to engage in respectful discourse is essential. Birke’s insights in dispute resolution shed light on how students can navigate these complex discussions while fostering curiosity and understanding in academic settings.

Incivility on College Campuses

Political tensions have long existed on college campuses, but the intensity has recently escalated. As hot-button issues become more divisive, students often struggle to engage with differing opinions without resorting to conflict. Birke highlights that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it must be exercised responsibly.

“Just because you can say something doesn’t mean you should,”

Birke explains, encouraging students to focus on listening and asking clarifying questions rather than reacting with judgment. His advice to “replace judgment with curiosity” encourages deeper engagement with opposing views and a more open-minded approach to learning.

The Role of Respectful Communication

Respectful communication is often essential when navigating controversial topics, especially in the diverse environments of college campuses. Birke advises that students should aim to listen more than they speak and seek to understand the underlying concerns behind differing opinions. For example, when two people express opposing views on contentious issues like gun control, Birke suggests focusing on shared interests such as personal safety. This approach may help de-escalate tension and contribute to more productive conversations.

Jennifer Gershberg, a former faculty member at the University of Maryland, adds that students should embrace discomfort when confronted with new or unfamiliar ideas, as this often leads to growth and maturity. "Over time, you may find that exposure to differing viewpoints could lead to a more nuanced perspective," Gershberg notes, highlighting the value of being open to different viewpoints.

Staying Calm and Setting Boundaries

Birke also stresses the importance of personal safety when discussions become heated. If a conversation escalates to a threatening level, students should prioritize their well-being and remove themselves from the situation if necessary. "Prioritizing personal safety is essential, and students should remove themselves from potentially harmful situations if necessary," Birke emphasizes. College administrators and resident assistants (RAs) can provide support in these situations, and students are encouraged to seek help when needed.

Setting clear boundaries during conversations about hot-button issues is another crucial aspect of maintaining civility. Birke notes that stepping away from a tense situation or deferring the conversation to a later time can be an effective way to avoid unnecessary conflict. As Seung Whan Ryu, an assistant professor at Sacred Heart University, explains, respectful communication not only fosters positive interactions but also helps maintain emotional well-being during difficult discussions.

The Value of Civil Discourse in Academic Life

Birke's insights underscore the importance of civil discourse as students prepare for future careers. College campuses, much like workplaces, should be environments where differing views can be exchanged freely and safely. Encouraging students to remain intellectually curious and respectful helps build the skills necessary to navigate politically charged discussions in the professional world.

For additional insights on managing political tensions on campus and promoting civil discourse, read the full article here.