Discussing Hot Topics
by Eileen Baland

When James Madison wrote the 45 words that ultimately became the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, he did so with a deep understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of opinions held by the American people. Many of these newly appointed civic leaders in a newly formed government found themselves in the unenviable position of grappling with social and political issues both old and new, and were forced to engage in a free and open debate in order to find the most effective method of establishing and managing their new government. The Freedom of Speech clause of the First Amendment, which Madison had instituted in his own state of Virginia , became one of the great hallmarks of American democracy, and it has withstood more than 200 years of repeated tests of its integrity and purpose.

Today, on university campuses across America, students and professors engage in free and open debate because of this essential protection of speech ensured by the First Amendment. Sometimes, however, this privilege is misinterpreted and can be misused by those who, in the interest of expressing their own views, can stifle the right of others to express their views, especially opposing views. In these instances, the true purpose of free speech can become lost in the mire of ignorance and bias. To avoid such detriments to this honored right, professors especially should guard against furthering their own sociopolitical agendas by forcing their students to adopt opposing views or by preventing students from freely expressing their own views. The classroom environment should provide for the safe expression of opinions and protect participants from unwarranted personal attacks because of opposing views.

In the beginning of each semester, outline the true purpose and meaning of academic discourse. One effective means of reaching this goal is to set ground rules

• Emphasize the benefit of listening to others' views without passing judgment on those who differ in their views and without treating others as though they are wrong because their views differ.
• Re-emphasize this rule if problems arise. Learners need to treat each other respectfully. The professor has the responsibility of ensuring that all students are treated fairly and respectfully, and that their views are as important as everyone's in the search for wisdom and truth.

Only in this way will students begin to understand both the value of their own opinions and the knowledge that can be gained from the diverse opinions of others.

Resources

• The UTD Rhetoric Department's Policy on Freedom of Expression
• Harvard University - Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom