Democracy in Action: Relationship-Building to Foster Peaceful Deliberation

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

4-17-2026

Keywords

fsc2026

Abstract

How do we “do” humanities in times of political volatility, combined with scrutiny of “DEI” in higher education?

The day after the latest divisive national political event, students in my undergraduate Immigration Stories class are often hesitant to talk during class. Where I might have formerly blamed students (being unprepared, lacking interest or courage), I now meet them where they are. I’ve realized that more deeply engaging in community-building practices is essential throughout the semester. If students feel unheard or not valued, they will not contribute.

This presentation reflects on the successes (and new challenges) of using relationship-building practices (ground in nonviolent communication, dialogue studies, and peace-building strategies), to create a respectful and exciting class community that not only accepts but also values political divergence. Creating this dynamic balance requires special attention to foundations of respect in the classroom. Building community first allows us to practice civil conversation as a skill, and from there we move on to structured discussions, dialogues, debates, and deliberations. I show how teaching these tools sequentially, while continuing to integrate community-building activities, is key to an engaged, productive classroom, where students take more academic risks and think more deeply about how to address complex, politicized issues, such as immigration.

Comments

Poster presented at the:

2026 Fisher Showcase, St. John Fisher University, April 17, 2026.

Humanities Education and Research Association, February 25-27, 2026 

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