On September 10th, the eyes of the nation, SCH students included, were tuned in to the ABC presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. On September 11th, US History Teacher and Department Chair Sarah McDowell invited SCH Upper School students who were interested in discussing the debate to attend an open discussion in her classroom during lunch. The discussion aimed to give students and opportunity to engage in civil discourse while sharing their opinions in a safe environment.
The invitation was accepted by enough students to fill every chair in Mrs. McDowell’s classroom. When asked why she believed so many students were interested in joining the discussion, Mrs McDowell stated, “I think people want permission to talk about these controversial issues, and I think a lot of adults try to avoid them because they are so controversial.”
Mrs. McDowell also spoke on the benefits of engaging in a civil discussion about a controversial topic, like a presidential debate, with someone who holds an opposing viewpoint: “We tend to have knee jerk reactions, and people are identifying with their own political parties and not thinking as much for themselves as they could. I think listening to different voices lets you test your own opinions.”
Ms. McDowell also noted how important it is that students feel safe when discussing these matters. During the lunch session, each time a new student entered the classroom they were shown the civil discourse agreement that outlines the correct way of participating in a discussion without isolating or attacking someone who disagrees with you.
“I think kids welcome the opportunity to come into a place where they feel like they can speak and be safe, and it’ll be moderated, so they’re not going to feel like they’re going to get attacked,” said McDowell.
Sophomore Richard Li was among the students who took time out of their lunch to engage. When I asked him why he attended, he stated, “I need to have a holistic review of the whole debate with both sides involved, and also to see the opposed opinions on the debate.” Richard’s goal of better understanding a viewpoint that he does not agree with is one of the key objectives of a civil discussion.
When asked about the possibility of similar discussions in the future, both Richard and Mrs. McDowell showed interest in participating. After being asked if he would like another opportunity to participate in a civil discussion regarding a debate, Richard said “definitely.”
