Pedagogical Civility: Protecting and Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Fashion Institute of Technology Spring Convocation January 25, 2018 Janie Harden Fritz Professor of Communication & Rhetorical Studies Duquesne University

Perspectives on Civility Our historical moment: Marked by a crisis of incivility We have been here before Changing norms: Responding to the call Civility: Protecting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion

Civility: An enduring ideal We are different, and we must live together in community Respect matters

Civility: A contested term with many inflections Class distinctions Unreflective adherence to community norms Avoidance of controversial topics Explicit persuasion in the public square

What about the context of education? The first three approaches aren’t helpful Some interactive guidelines needed to accomplish tasks All cultures have politeness norms; authentic civility permits change Education involves explicit engagement of critical thinking

The fourth approach might be more intense than some would desire A potential way forward: A dialogic approach to civility tailored to education

Learning as common center: Focal point for a civility fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion The dance metaphor extended Civility in the classroom requires support at the institutional level; faculty members set the parameters at the local level

Classroom as community; civility as care for community Pedagogical civility: Civil discourse practices for educational settings The craft workshop: Instructors lead the way Evaluation: Sociable expertise for the next generation

Guidelines for Pedagogical Civility in the Classroom Set ground rules for discussion on the first day of class Offer explicit definitions and examples of unacceptable and acceptable practices Practice supportive wording of questions, challenges, and expressed disagreements Employ metacommunication

Develop discernment and tact Encourage student leadership Consider conflicts as learning opportunities Welcome mistakes

Unity of Contraries: Between Cynicism and Hope Human beings are capable of great evil—and great good We can make a difference