Supporting Civil Discourse on UK's Campus

Note: This article contains a reference to UK's Bias Incident Response Team, which no longer exists. To report discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct, visit https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofKentucky&layout_id=30.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2016) — A presidential election often means a change in direction — in terms of policy and the issues that determine the country’s agenda and direction.

Such transitions also represent opportunities for engagement and discussion on a university campus. Over the course of this semester, University of Kentucky faculty, staff and student leaders are planning panel discussions and other events to encourage constructive and courageous conversations.

At the same time, UK is offering a number of support services and resources to the university community — regardless of ideology or perspective — to create the space for civil discussion and dialogue. UKNow will be publicizing and promoting those services and opportunities for conversation throughout the semester. What follows is a list of some of the support services that are in place for the entire community to foster dialogue and civil discourse:

• Bias Incident Support Services (BISS) are available to all UK undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students, faculty and staff. A bias incident is any activity that intimidates, demeans, degrades, marginalizes or threatens individuals or groups based on their identities or perceived identities. A bias incident can occur whether the act was intentional or unintentional, and may or may not be a legal act. Those seeking services may call 859-257-3189 or email Bias Incident Response Coordinator Carol Taylor-Shim (carol.taylor@uky.edu) to arrange an appointment or stop by the lower level of Frazee Hall, Monday-Friday to schedule an appointment.
• Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17, BISS will offer drop-in opportunities for any students, faculty or staff looking for community or needing support. Drop-in sessions will be held every Tuesday in January from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in the basement of Frazee Hall, adjacent to the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center.
• The Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) will host Coffee Talk from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23, in 107 Breckenridge Hall, for an informal conversation on issues that may arise in the classroom in response to the inauguration. Visit www.uky.edu/celt to register.
• CELT will also offer a workshop for instructors on navigating difficult conversations in the classroom. The workshop will be held Jan. 30 and 31. The workshop, “Navigating Conflict and Building Bridges," will prepare instructors to courageously manage and hold space for multiple or differing perspectives in the classroom. Participants will learn strategies for stimulating productive discussion while maintaining an inclusive learning environment. A detailed description of the workshop and the registration links can be found at www.uky.edu/celt. 

For more information or questions about Coffee Talk or "Navigating Conflict and Building Bridges, contact Nicole Martin at nicolemartin@uky.edu or Ashley Sorrell at ashley.sorrell@uky.edu.

For more information about BISS, contact Carol Taylor-Shim at carol.taylor@uky.edu.