To challenge students to broaden global perspectives, develop the skill of active listening, promote shared civic responsibility, and teach students how to think, not what to think, all students must agree to:

1. Listen respectfully and actively. All participants are encouraged to take notes and think about what is being said. All participants should refrain from raising their hands or responding out loud until the speaker is finished. 

2. Use facts to support positions or ask questions for further understanding. All participants should avoid speculation and false equivalencies whenever possible. All participants must use facts from credible and academically sound sources that represent a diversity of perspectives.

3. Challenge ideas, not individuals. All participants should use supportive language to acknowledge opposing points of view. For example, “I see your point, but . . .”

or “what I’m hearing is….” Or saying, “I disagree or agree with...here’s why”

Tone should be respectful and moderate; no yelling or interrupting.  

4. Commit to learning, not debating. All participants in the room are dedicated to expanding collective understanding of the topics discussed, not “winning the debate.” Using everyone’s opinions or perspectives can help form a whole group's understanding of the subject.  

5. Define terms towards common understanding. All participants must seek clarity of key terms and concepts that are being discussed. Disagreements often arise when we assume we share the same definition of key terms. Ex What is racist?  What is socialism?  What is fake news? What is justice? What is fair?

6. Be Meaningful The conversations should be relevant to the context of the learning environment. All participants are encouraged to draw connections between the discussions and the learning taking place in the classroom. These connections will help focus the contributions of all participants.