Brave Conversations: A Night More Productive than Most in DC

Published: Sept 23, 2025

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the University of Utah hosted an installment of Brave Conversations, an event for students to discuss controversial topics in a controlled setting, and it was a major success. 

This event, hosted by the department of Student Leadership and Involvement in association with the Bennion Center, was titled: Guns On Campus. A recent policy change by the U was a major driving factor behind the discussions.  

Students were assigned to random tables of about six people. Attendees were given dinner and time to get to know each other. However, they were given strict instructions not to discuss the issue until the event officially began. 

Once the event officially began, attendees were posed a series of questions, and each were given 10 minutes to go around the table and hear everyone’s answers. However, no one was allowed to ask any follow-up questions regarding their peer’s responses, only listen and write down any questions they may want to ask later. The purpose of this was to prevent any interruptions, ensuring everyone had a chance to fully explain their viewpoints. 

Once the initial discussion had ended, there was time for all the questions which had been written down throughout the event. Each question was discussed, and clarifications were given. 

As an attendee of this event, I found this to be a great experience. I was able to have a discussion with my peers about a very controversial issue, yet it never got heated. The entire evening, no one raised their voice, no one was interrupted, and I can confidently say that everyone learned something. 

This event proved that discussions regarding political issues do not have to be filled with anger. Political conversations can be held in a respectful manner and common ground can be found on almost any topic. Every day, the United States becomes a more divisive and angry nation. A 2024 Gallup poll found that a record 80% of Americans believe that the nation is “greatly divided on most values”. Discussions such as Brave Conversations are the best way to bridge that divide.

No one is going to respect someone who can’t help but interrupt them. I truly believe that the conversations had at this event, between a bunch of college students, were more productive than most nights in DC. 

This event occurred about a week before the death of Charlie Kirk. His death has raised a lot of questions regarding gun policy on campus. Conversations such as this event are the first step into determining what students truly believe when it comes to political topics. Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and I believe that rings just as true today.