This semester’s conflict was intense. In my decade of teaching at the collegiate level, I had never encountered such a fierce verbal clash between two students on opposing sides. Sure, there were moments in 2011 when my public speaking class debated whether New York City was better off under Giuliani’s administration due to his aggressive crime policies. And in 2014, my debate team had some heated discussions about same-sex marriage versus bestiality. Occasional harsh words would slip through, but civility has always been the standard in my classroom. Until now.
This semester highlighted the importance of character, both in our everyday lives and in the political arena. Here’s what transpired.
My university implemented a flexible learning plan this term, allowing students to choose between online or in-person classes. Most opted for remote learning, understandably so. However, for those attending in person, mask-wearing was mandatory throughout the session. One student, who typically attended online, rarely showed up in person and frequently questioned the necessity of masks, claiming COVID-19 was exaggerated.
“Do we really have to wear masks?” he asked, challenging the mandates. He likened it to the flu, insisting it wasn’t a significant concern. Everyone knew his conservative leanings; he often blogged about what he viewed as a liberal bias in the media. As a digital media professor, I aimed to provide a platform for all voices, as long as they were relevant to our discussions.
However, when he disclosed having COVID-19 while coughing loudly, two students visibly reacted, disturbed by his nonchalance. I couldn’t help but feel alarmed as well. His disregard for social distancing, often sitting too close to others and pulling his mask down, was a source of concern. I found myself apologizing to my other students for his actions. Nevertheless, I believed he deserved instruction. Did he not?
I encouraged his conservative viewpoint while emphasizing the importance of fact-checking and proper sourcing, essential tenets of modern digital journalism.
Then came the day when tensions reached a boiling point. For the sake of anonymity, let’s refer to the conservative blogger as Student A and the other individual involved as Student B.
“What’s the professor’s email address?” Student A asked, leaning in toward a female student and lowering his mask.
Student B instinctively moved away.
“Why are you being so rude? You’re so rude,” Student A shot back.
“I’m not rude. You’re rude. Stop getting so close to me,” Student B replied.
“You’re f****** rude. Why don’t you go back where you came from?” Student A spat.
“No, no, no. That was inappropriate. You cannot say things like that in this classroom,” I interjected.
“What?!!! You’re f****** racist. Just because I’m Latina doesn’t mean I don’t have the right to be here,” Student B retorted.
“I’m not a racist. I just meant for you to go somewhere else,” Student A insisted.
The exchange escalated with more insults and derogatory remarks. I struggled to maintain my composure while continuing the lecture, but internally, I was seething. I wished I could defend Student B more forcefully. As someone from an immigrant family—my mother from Jamaica and my father from the Bahamas—I understood the implications of such comments all too well.
Yet, I felt it was my duty to provide impartial instruction, stepping into the role of referee rather than a racial justice advocate. Eventually, Student B, overwhelmed, left the classroom in tears to report the incident to the Dean.
My concern is straightforward. I refuse to silence students with extreme views in my classroom, regardless of their political alignment. However, the ability to engage in civil discourse, to disagree respectfully, and to challenge opponents without resorting to personal attacks seems to be diminishing. Where did Student A learn to strike so personally at someone’s ethnicity? And why did Student B feel so cornered that she couldn’t respond with kindness?
Such vitriol was previously unheard of in my classroom, which should embody higher standards of respect. Unfortunately, the lack of decency that permeates our political discussions has seeped into our educational spaces.
The disgraceful rhetoric seen in political debates and public rallies has influenced these young minds. If there was ever a time for decency, empathy, and fairness to be reinstated in our leadership, it is now. Significant damage has been done, but we must strive to repair, rebuild, and renew our commitment to civility in both our classrooms and at the highest levels of government.
Search Queries:
- How to maintain civility in classroom debates
- Importance of respectful disagreement in education
- Handling conflicts between students in college
- The impact of political rhetoric on student behavior
- Strategies for fostering an inclusive classroom environment
Summary:
This article recounts a troubling incident in a college classroom where tensions flared between two students due to political disagreements, highlighting the decline of civil discourse in educational settings. The professor reflects on the importance of maintaining respect and dignity in discussions, emphasizing the need for empathy and decency in both academic and political environments.