On Wednesday, Feb. 5, a post-inauguration reflection was held in Kirkhof Center by Grand Valley State University’s Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and numerous co-sponsors, including Student Senate, the Political Science Department and the Black Faculty Staff Association. The discussion, facilitated by the Director of the Center for Civil Discourse, Lisa Perhamus, and Political Science Professor Laura Schneider, provided a space for students, faculty and staff to work through their thoughts and feelings about the United States’ current political climate.
The event began with a reflection activity that was expanded into a small group discussion. These talks were held at tables placed throughout the room to facilitate a calm and safe atmosphere. After articulating often tense emotions regarding the Country’s current state, small group discussions were opened to the entire room.
Schneider explained that giving participants time to individually reflect on prompts and become comfortable with one another helped create a broad conversation.
“While there were faculty facilitators at each table, it seemed like there were just as many participants as facilitators in the discussion,” said Schneider.
Perhamus feels many people are disheartened by the Country’s political divide, and thinks the discussion allowed students to navigate the waters of polarized opinions.
“It can feel difficult to see a path forward out of polarization,” Perhamus. “I think this event can show each of us that we are collectively capable of having a contentious conversation that remains constructive.”
By discussing viewpoints held by people of varying backgrounds and political experiences, participants were able to expose themselves to different ways of thinking and were encouraged to form educated opinions. GVSU is home to students from across the country and around the world, making tolerance an important value to impart on members of the University’s community.
“I hope people who (came) to this event feel heard, valued and part of the campus community,” Perhamus said. “I hope this conversation demonstrates to the GVSU community that we can have this conversation with one another. We can hold the tensions of our divergent views and remain committed to being curious about each other. When we are curious, we are open to learning and connecting.”
Many students felt relieved to voice their opinions and ask questions about current events that continue to affect their everyday lives. Numerous questions were raised, which allowed participants to clear up misconceptions and become more informed on varying concepts.
“From the table conversations and the larger discussion, it was evident that the campus community needed an event like this to process where we are right now,” Schneider said. “I think it was a great first step in a needed dialogue.”
Following Post-Inaugural Reflections, the event’s hosts are considering the creation of future discussion-driven events that are open to all students, faculty and staff. By engaging in thought-provoking and constructive dialogue, critical thinking skills can be developed to navigate the current political climate. Collaboration between students and facilitators is a welcome opportunity for both connection and intellectual development.
