We hope this email finds you well as we settle in to the new semester. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am excited to share a thought-provoking resource with you that aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusive and meaningful dialogue on campus.
The article, titled “Reviving Critical Community on Campus: How to make campus culture welcoming, but still argumentative” sheds light on the current state of discourse on American campuses, particularly addressing concerns about exclusion, fear of ostracism, and the clash between the “tough-it-out” and “comfort-the-afflicted” schools of thought.
You may be asking, “Where do we stand in our own approach to this work?”, “which school of thought do I naturally lean toward?”, and “how do I create space for the concerns of both approaches?” These questions encourages us to revisit the core principles guiding our efforts and to critically assess our approach. I encourage you to read the article and reflect on how its insights resonate with our shared commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included in meaningful discourse. The article proposes a third option, the “everyone belongs” approach, which aims to facilitate critical discourse while fostering inclusive participation. It advocates for creating conditions where students of diverse identities and viewpoints can engage with challenging issues, even when the process might be uncomfortable.
We believe that embracing the principles outlined in the article can contribute to the continued growth of our campus community. Let’s engage in meaningful discussions, challenge our assumptions, and work together to ensure that everyone belongs.
Wishing you a successful and enriching semester.
Sincerely,
Blake Mackesy and Erica Acosta