At Ohio State, we share one important thing with each other: We have all chosen to be Buckeyes.
We can use this common ground to engage with one another that is respectful and caring, even – and especially – when we disagree.
But, navigating conversations on difficult topics is hard. They often involve emotionally and personally charged subjects and it can be challenging to separate dissenting opinions from personal attacks. Practicing civil discourse keeps our conversations productive, even if we still don’t agree in the end. It helps us have a dialogue where we listen to one another, consider different perspectives and learn from one another. It reminds us of the impact our words have on others, both positively and negatively.
Civil discourse requires learning and practice, and it is something we need to exercise every day. To help the Ohio State community practice the skills of civil discourse, Listen. Learn. Discuss. is hosting the first annual Buckeye Day of Dialogue. The goal of the day are to provide all Buckeyes an opportunity to engage one another in respectful and thought-provoking conversations that follow the Center for Ethics and Human Values’ 4Cs of Civil Discourse:
- Be Curious
- Be Charitable
- Be Conscientious
- Be Constructive