Opening Up on Open Discourse

Hotchkiss Hosts Two-Day Conference for Educators

BY HOPE REISINGER COBERA ’88, P’24

PROTECTING THE SCOPE of open discourse and the courageous exploration of ideas has always been a hallmark of Hotchkiss culture. In order to foster an environment in which varying ideas and points of view can be openly shared, the School is actively engaged in aligning its work with a set of tenets put forth by the University of Chicago called The Principles of Open Discourse (also known as the Chicago Principles).

In November, Hotchkiss was pleased to host a conference on open discourse for educators, bringing to campus delegates from numerous peer schools across New England and beyond. The two-day event explored opportunities and challenges associated with enabling free expression in a secondary school setting. Discussion was led by thought leaders with deep expertise in developing action plans to help students build their capacities for constructive and open dialogue.

Visiting presenters included Dr. Leila Brammer, a teaching professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Tampa (and former director of The Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse at the University of Chicago); Suzanne Nossel, CEO of Pen America, a leading human rights and free expression organization; and Denise Pope, senior lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Education and co-founder of Challenge Success: Belonging and Open Dialogue; among others.

“This was an amazing two days. It was really well organized with a lot of provocative and insightful practices and theories,” Brammer said. “People came ready to engage with questions but also with interventions they have tried.” She noted that tables were full of attendees who were processing information and testing ideas to take back to their schools.

Rick Hazelton, director of the Center for Global Understanding and Independent Thinking and dean of summer programs, organized the conference. “Open dialogue is tied closely to our mission. Hotchkiss seeks to develop students who open their minds and hearts to the views and experiences of others, creating space for all to belong and to thrive,” he said. “This work can support all of us—and our students—in engaging in productive disagreement. That feels particularly important at this time of political polarization.”

“It was incredible to see and hear from so many people who spend so much time thinking this through,” said Dr. Lisanne Norman ’94, Hotchkiss instructor in humanities and social sciences, and co-director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. “One of the things I really took away from this event is that discourse equals democracy—and democracy equals discourse.” H