Dr. Nicholas Longo, the inaugural Director of the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL), recently published an op-ed in NJ.Com.
In Rutgers Teaches Conversation Skills to Address Political Polarization, Longo reflects on the RDL's Democracy Wall, a chalkboard RDL adorned to the easternmost wall of the Eagleton Institute of Politics' foyer in late February. The wall invites students with diverse perspectives to engage with pressing democratic questions, and offers a model of thoughtful strategies universities can use to promote dialogue across difference. While some civic scholars advocate for structural reforms to combat heightened political polarization and civic strain, Longo stresses the value of strengthening democracy's underlying civic culture. Captured by the phrase "conversation is the new counterculture,” he emphasizes the need for higher education to helm civic programming that is relational and dialogue-driven.
My wish for civic renewal starts with something simpler: that campuses teach the art of civil discourse. People can solve public problems together only if they learn to talk with one another, especially those with whom they disagree.
Read the full article here.
