The University of Wisconsin-Superior campus becomes even more inclusive with its Bridging the Divide civil discourse event. Students with diverse ideological and partisan political perspectives come together to discuss challenging topics that are not typically addressed in a social setting. The program is through the Tommy G. Thompson Center for Public Leadership, which is located throughout the UW campus system. The last meeting discussed topics related to the border crisis, but previous sessions have covered themes such as Donald J. Trump’s indictments and the Electoral College. Oreoluwa Sofolahan, campus leader at Superior for Bridging the Divide, is a prime advocate encouraging all students to attend. The event’s goal is to replace snark with civil dialogue and foster increased engagement and understanding among people with different opinions.
Sofolahan said, “I think civil discourse is a skill that is so important in every life, right? And no matter the industry in, whether it’s medicine, whether it’s finance, economics, whether it’s, it’s like a journalist, you would need to be comfortable having conversations with people with different ideological perspectives. So how do we approach this kind of conversation in a way that is respectful, that is focused on listening and truly hearing other people’s points of views? I think it’s very important when it comes to leadership to make sure that all views are hit and in a respectful way and normalizing that, I think, thats what this programming is dedicated to doing.”
Katelyn Baumann (left) Outreach Program Manager of the Link Center and student leader
Oreoluwa Sofolahan.
Photo by Maddie Schaffer | The Promethean
This event provides an opportunity for all UWS students to encounter opinions and perspectives they may have never considered before. Bridging the Divide meetings can be found on the campus calendar. Otherwise, students may contact personnel at JacketsVote through the link center at link@uwsuper.edu or Sofolahan at osofolah@uwsuper.edu.
