Message from the Director—October 2024
Unity in Diversity: Promoting Civil Discourse and Inclusive Engagement
From: Dr. Miguel Baique, Director of the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity
Dear Kearns Center Community,
I want to take a moment to reflect on the values that guide us as a community and the critical role we play in fostering diversity of people, perspectives, and thought at the ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é, the Kearns Center, and within our respective communities. These principles are at the core of the Kearns Center’s mission, and they underpin everything we do—from supporting first-generation and underrepresented students to promoting leadership and academic excellence.
Diversity is more than a measure of representation; it’s the engine of innovation, creativity, and progress. Our strength lies in the variety of experiences, ideas, and perspectives that each of us brings to the table. As members of the Kearns Center community, we are committed to ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard, respected, and valued. This commitment extends not only to the diversity of our people but also to the diversity of our thoughts and ideas.
In a world where differences of opinion can lead to division, it is vital that we foster an environment where civil discourse can flourish. Open dialogue and civic engagement, especially when discussing opposing views, are essential to maintaining a vibrant and inclusive community. This year’s Annual Diversity Conference, themed, 2024 Boundless Together: How Do We Move Forward When We Disagree, is a prime opportunity for us to explore how we can continue to create spaces for such discourse.
The Diversity Conference challenges us to engage in meaningful discussions that can sometimes be difficult. This year’s focus on meaningful and purposeful conversation around civil discourse, restorative practices, and wellness reminds us that advancing these goals requires active participation and thoughtful engagement from all of us. Civic engagement doesn’t just happen through formal participation in events or conferences; it happens every day in our conversations, classrooms, and communities. It’s in these moments that we build mutual understanding and work toward shared solutions, especially when we disagree.
However, civic engagement can only be truly productive when grounded in civility. Civility means showing respect for others’ viewpoints and creating a space where all voices can be heard, even when we don’t agree. This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations; it means approaching them with a spirit of openness, empathy, and respect. To foster this type of meaningful dialogue, I want to share a few strategies that we can all incorporate into our everyday interactions, particularly as we engage in discussions on important and often contentious topics:
- Listen to Understand, Not to Respond: When engaging in conversation, especially when someone’s perspective differs from your own, prioritize listening. Truly understanding someone’s position requires active listening without interrupting or immediately preparing your response. This allows for deeper insights and shows respect for the other person’s experience.
- Acknowledge and Validate Different Perspectives: You don’t have to agree with someone to acknowledge their feelings or experiences. Validation is a powerful way to show respect. A simple acknowledgment that another person’s view is valid, even if it differs from yours, can shift the conversation from confrontation to collaboration.
- Ask Questions with Curiosity, Not Judgment: Instead of reacting defensively when confronted with an opposing view, ask clarifying questions. Curiosity fosters understanding and opens up space for dialogue. It also demonstrates that you are interested in the reasoning behind someone’s opinion, rather than dismissing it outright.
- Manage Emotions and Stay Calm: Conversations on sensitive issues can often become heated. If you find emotions running high, take a step back and breathe. Keeping calm helps maintain the integrity of the conversation and allows both parties to reflect thoughtfully on the topic.
- Find Common Ground: Even in disagreement, there is often common ground. Identifying shared goals or values can help move the conversation forward productively and remind both parties that they are ultimately working toward similar outcomes.
At the Kearns Center, we are committed to respecting differences, not only as a fundamental principle of diversity but as a foundation for genuine connection and progress. Differences in thought, background, and experience make us stronger. By embracing and celebrating these differences, we can create a learning environment that is more inclusive, supportive, and innovative. The upcoming Diversity Conference will provide us with practical tools and ideas to advance these values both individually and collectively.
As we participate in the Annual Diversity Conference on October 15, I encourage all of you to attend with an open mind, ready to engage with new ideas, challenge assumptions, and build bridges across divides. Let this event be a reminder that our shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing journey—one that requires not only thoughtful reflection but also active participation.
Let us continue to grow together, with respect, civility, and a shared vision for the future.
Dr. Miguel Baique
Read previous messages from the director: