At a time when common courtesy and respectful debate feel like distant memories, I was uplifted by Political Discord & Civil Discourse, a student event hosted by St. Luke’s Center for Leadership.
Our guests were CNN anchor and St. Luke’s parent Alisyn Camerota and Congressman Jim Himes. I moderated the discussion which covered the rise of tribalism, the limits of media echo chambers, and the power of respectful disagreement.
Camerota and Himes brought civil discourse to life—listening to one another, and to our students’ thoughtful and thought-provoking questions. There was often disagreement but always expressed with respect, with facts, and with decorum.
Below is a video of Political Discord & Civil Discourse. If you wonder what it looks like when students find their voices—make sure to watch through to the very end.
On May 16, Ari Fleischer, former White House Secretary for President George W. Bush, will join students for another Political Discord & Civil Discourse assembly.
Further Reading:
Recovering the (Lost) Art of Civility - The New York Times
Talking Across the Aisle at St. Luke's School - Harvard Making Caring Common
Student Leadership: The Art of Conversation - Georgia Rosenberg '19
True Patriots - Mark Davis
St. Luke's First Social Justice Leadership Summit for Parents - Kate Parker-Burgard
St. Luke’s is a private, secular (non-religious) independent school in New Canaan, CT serving grades 5-12. St. Luke’s mission: An exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead.
Get our latest blog posts!
By Author
- Amber Berry: Head of Middle School ( 2 )
- Beth Yavenditti: Director of Global Education ( 3 )
- Carrie Meatto: Spanish Teacher ( 1 )
- Chris Mantz: 5th-Grade Teacher ( 1 )
- Dan Clarke: Sports Information Specialist ( 1 )
- Daphne Teittinen-Schreck: ESS Director ( 1 )
- Dr. Jason Haynes: History Chair ( 2 )
- Dr. Stephanie Bramlett: Former Director of Inclusive Excellence ( 2 )
- Gareth Fancher: Director of Emotional Intelligence ( 1 )
- Georgia Rosenberg '19: Student ( 1 )
- Ginny Bachman: Director of Admission ( 4 )
- Hunter Martin: Summer Program Director ( 1 )
- Jane Olsen: Fifth Grade Teacher ( 1 )
- Jim Foley: Asst. Head of School for Leadership & Innovation ( 2 )
- Jim Yavenditti: Director of Studies ( 1 )
- Julia Gabriele: Associate Head of School & Chief Financial Officer ( 5 )
- Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of the Center for Leadership ( 19 )
- Liz Perry: Head of Upper School ( 9 )
- Mark Chuhta: Asst. Head of Middle School ( 1 )
- Mark Davis: Head of School ( 36 )
- Michael Mitchell: designLab Director ( 2 )
- Mike West: Athletics Director ( 1 )
- Nancy Troeger: Director of Marketing and Communications ( 4 )
- Sonia Bell: Director of College Counseling ( 2 )
- Stephen Vehslage: Associate Director of College Counseling ( 1 )
- Students: Jack Briggs '21 and Liam Patty '21 ( 1 )
- Tom Owen: English Teaching Fellow ( 1 )
- Gareth Fancher ( 1 ) [Show All]
Recent Articles
Posts by Topic
- Leadership (54)
- Community (44)
- Character (38)
- Mission (37)
- Values (28)
- Innovation in Education (24)
- School (23)
- Lifelong Learning (21)
- Moral Compass (21)
- private school (19)
- teens (18)
- Inspiration (17)
- Moral Courage (16)
- Service (15)
- Parenting (13)
- Gratitude (12)
- Above and Beyond (11)
- Happiness (8)
- Well-Being (8)
- Diversity & Inclusion (7)
- Freedom (7)
- Global Perspective (7)
- college (6)
- Meditation (5)
- Mindfulness (5)
- Student Voices (5)
- Technology (5)
- Athletics (4)
- Parents as Partners (4)
- SLSHeroes (4)
- College Admissions (3)
- Patriotism (3)
- Postive (Alumni) Outcomes (3)
- Civil Discourse (2)
- Private School Admissions (2)
- Tragedy (2)
- Family (1)
- Resilience (1)
- Spaces for Learning (1)
Leave a comment