As we return to school, we look forward to a year of learning together, building friendships, and fostering community. Yet, it seems that heated rhetoric and attacks on debate and dialogue have been at the forefront of the media and across college campuses. The September 10th assaination of Charlie Kirk has brought non-stop coverage and contention throughout the country. Some of us knew him, and others didn’t, but in the days that followed we all learned about his life and his conservative beliefs. Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, fatally shot while engaging in debate. Kirk was on his first of ten stops at college campuses around the country, with a stop scheduled for New Hampshire.
Regardless of political opinions, everyone should feel safe when sharing their views. The Constitution of the United States of America acknowledges this First Amendment right of freedom of speech as one of the most important. When creating an independent country, Americans ensured that “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech”. In America, political disputes should be settled at the ballot box instead of through displays of violence. It is a foundational principle in the formation of our government that the founders protected free speech. Just as the government should not silence speech based on viewpoints that it disagrees with, we should be mindful of the same in our classroom discussions.
As we return to discussing and debating this new school year, it is essential not to let a difference of opinion overpower civil conversations. There are important steps we can take to contribute to a more united school community.
We can implement active listening into our everyday lives. Active listening contributes to an understanding environment and helps us to ensure that one another’s ideas are understood. This does not mean that we will always agree, but that we give each other respect and courtesy to listen; we might actually surprise ourselves and learn something we have not thought about. Additionally, embracing open-ended and clarifying questions, as opposed to pointed questions, can contribute to thoughtful debates. Using open ended questions can prevent others from feeling personally targeted. Avoiding pointed questions can help eliminate contentious arguments and make room for courteous conversations. Seeking a common understanding in a discussion can help create solutions or foster understanding. These methods can help facilitate constructive classroom conversations instead of exasperated arguments.
Now, as the world seems more divided than ever, we should work together to foster a unified society where every voice is met with understanding. At Central High School, we can do better than cable news. We can rise above the headline and make our discussions more than just sound bites.
Catherine Tenn is a senior at Manchester Central High School and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Little Green Newspaper. She leads the publication’s staff of writers and editors, working to amplify student voices and emphasize important events within her community. Outside of the newsroom, Catherine enjoys playing Varsity field hockey, ice hockey, and tennis.
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