The confrontation was intense. In my decade of teaching at the college level, I had never witnessed such a fierce verbal clash between two students. Sure, there was that time in 2011 when my public speaking students debated whether Giuliani’s crackdown on crime in New York City was beneficial, and my debate class in 2014 got heated over the controversial issue of same-sex marriage. A few harsh words were exchanged, but civility typically reigned in my classroom. Until this semester.
This semester demonstrated that character is crucial, both in our communities and in larger political arenas.
Here’s what transpired:
My university implemented a flexible learning model, allowing students to choose between online and in-person classes. Unsurprisingly, most opted for online learning. However, those who attended in person were required to wear masks throughout the class.
One student, who rarely attended in person and usually logged in online, expressed his belief that COVID-19 was being exaggerated. “Do we really need to wear masks?” he questioned. Although I informed him it was mandatory, he insisted, “It’s just like the flu, it’s not a big deal.” This student, known for his pro-Trump views, often blogged about how the media was against him. While I aim to foster diverse opinions, I never intended to censor him as long as he had a defined audience for his niche.
However, when he casually mentioned having COVID and coughed loudly while doing so, two other students visibly reacted to his nonchalance. I felt alarmed too. He frequently disregarded our social distancing rules, sitting just inches away from others and pulling his mask down to cough. I found myself apologizing to the other students for his behavior. Yet, he deserved to learn, right?
I encouraged his conservative viewpoints and guided him to substantiate his claims with facts, adhering to the standards of modern journalism. Then the moment arrived when tensions erupted.
Let’s refer to the conservative blogger as Student A, and the other involved student as Student B.
Student A: What’s the professor’s email? (leans in, pulling down his mask to speak to a female student)
Student B: starts to move away.
Student A: Why are you being so rude? You’re so rude.
Student B: I’m not rude. You’re rude. Stop getting so close to me.
Student A: You’re f****** rude. Why don’t you go back where you came from?
Me: No, no, no. That’s inappropriate. We don’t use language like that in this classroom.
Student B: What??!!! You’re f****** racist. Just because I’m Latina doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be here.
Student A: I’m not a racist. I just meant you should go somewhere else.
The argument escalated with more insults and belittling remarks. I tried my best to stay composed and continue with my lecture, but inside, I was seething. I wished I could more strongly defend Student B. Coming from an immigrant family myself, I could relate to her experience. My mother is from Jamaica, and my father is from the Bahamas—countries that some might deem undesirable.
Yet, Student A deserved a fair education. So, I played the role of mediator rather than an advocate for racial justice. Eventually, Student B became so distraught that she left the classroom in tears and reported the incident to the Dean of Students.
My concern is straightforward. While I won’t silence any student, regardless of their extreme views, the ability to engage in civil discourse seems to have diminished. I wonder where Student A learned to attack someone’s ethnic background so viciously, and why Student B felt so cornered that she couldn’t respond with kindness. This kind of personal attack was never the norm in my classroom until now. At a higher education institution, we expect a higher level of respect and decency.
But this is not what we see from our political leaders. The disgraceful rhetoric and attempts at debate we witness today reflect a broader societal issue, and it’s seeping into our classrooms. If there was ever a time to reinstate decency, compassion, and fairness in leadership, it is now.
While significant damage has been done, we must focus on repairing, rebuilding, and renewing our perspectives—for those in public office and those who will enter our classrooms next semester.
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Search Queries:
- How to handle conflict in the classroom
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Summary:
This article recounts a troubling incident in a college classroom, illustrating the escalating tensions and lack of civility among students. The author reflects on the importance of maintaining an environment of respect and open dialogue, amid the influences of contemporary political discourse. As educators, the responsibility lies in fostering a culture of decency, understanding, and constructive disagreement.
Keyphrase: Classroom Civility
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