Harkness discussions and senior speeches expose students to important academic and political matters, but the conversation does not always continue outside the classroom or auditorium. This is especially true for controversial topics; students with different opinions avoid exchanging thoughts in order to stay away from any disagreement. Despite the discomfort of controversy, Head of School Bryn Roberts encourages such conversations.

“It is incumbent upon us, whether we are in an academic conversation or political conversation to learn to listen carefully with whom we don’t necessarily agree and to learn from that,” Roberts said.

While listening to another perspective is valuable, it is not the only step towards productive conversations.

“This notion of being kind and courteous to those whom you disagree is the path to really coming to learn and understand what they think,” Roberts said.

Finding the will to be polite and respectful in such cases is not easy. With disagreement comes inevitable frustration, and too often conversations turn acrimonious and personal.  

“It is enormously important for students to learn that they do not get anywhere in conversations ranting and raving and demonizing their opponent,” Roberts said. This mentality remains relevant beyond one’s high school career.

“[Students] need to learn and understand and really compete or contest their ideas in a thoughtful way,” Roberts said, “These are principles and ideas that should always animate conversation in class, around the Harkness table, and should always be part of who they are.”

“The country needs more people that can understand difference and find a way to craft compromises and policies and craft solutions, not simply argue with one another,” he added.

There is plenty to talk about within and beyond the borders of the United States. As rising global citizens, young people will find themselves face to face with such conversations. Having them early-on and respectfully means a more efficient future.

“It is really crucial as citizens and as active, engaged, thoughtful young men and women, to […] have discussions but I want these to be productive and respectful,” Roberts said.