The confrontation was intense. In my decade of teaching at the college level, I’ve never witnessed such a fierce verbal exchange between students. Sure, there were previous debates in my public speaking class about political figures like Giuliani, and discussions in my debate class that got a bit heated over sensitive topics, but civility had always prevailed in my classroom. Until this semester.
This situation serves as a stark reminder that character is crucial, both in everyday life and in the political arena.
Overview of Events
This semester, my university implemented a flexible learning plan, allowing students to choose between online or in-person classes. Most opted for the online format, but some brave souls decided to attend in person, which required them to wear masks throughout the session.
One student, who typically attended virtually, expressed skepticism about the seriousness of COVID-19. “Do we really have to wear masks?” he questioned, claiming, “It’s just like the flu and it’s not a big deal.” His frequent blogs reflected his Trump-supporting views, often criticizing what he called the liberal media’s anti-Trump agenda. While I aimed to create an open environment for diverse opinions, I was concerned about his behavior; he often disregarded social distancing and frequently pulled his mask down.
Despite my discomfort, I believed he deserved instruction. I encouraged him to support his claims with facts, adhering to the principles of digital journalism.
The Escalation
Then came the day everything escalated.
For the sake of this narrative, let’s label this student as Alex (Student 1) and the other student involved as Maria (Student 2).
Alex: “What’s the professor’s email address?” (leaning in too close to Maria and lowering his mask) “What is it?”
Maria: Instinctively moved away.
Alex: “Why are you being so rude? You’re so rude.”
Maria: “I’m not rude; you’re rude! Stop getting so close.”
Alex: “You’re f****** rude. Why don’t you go back where you came from?”
Me: “No, no, no. That’s inappropriate. You can’t say that in this classroom.”
Maria: “What??!!! You’re f****** racist. Just because I’m Latina doesn’t mean I don’t belong here!”
Alex: “I’m not a racist; I just meant you should go somewhere else.”
The argument continued, filled with insults intended to demean one another. I struggled to maintain my composure and continue the lesson, feeling frustrated that I couldn’t more firmly defend Maria. Coming from an immigrant family, I understood the sting of such comments all too well.
However, Alex was entitled to impartial education, so I acted as a mediator rather than a racial justice advocate. Eventually, Maria left the class in tears to report the incident to the Dean.
Reflection
My concern is straightforward. I will not silence any student, regardless of their controversial opinions. But the ability to engage in civil discourse seems to have vanished. Where did Alex learn to attack someone’s ethnicity? And why did Maria feel so targeted that she couldn’t respond with kindness? This type of personal attack was never common in my classroom until now. In a higher education setting, we expect a certain level of respect and decency.
However, it seems that the standards of civility have eroded, reflecting the disgraceful rhetoric witnessed in political arenas.
If there was ever a moment for compassion and decency to be reinstated at the highest levels, it is now. Significant damage has already occurred, but we must begin to repair and renew—not only for our elected leaders but also for the students who will shape the future in our classrooms.
Further Reading
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Summary
This piece reflects on a troubling incident in the author’s classroom, highlighting the decline of respectful discourse and the need for compassion. It underscores the importance of maintaining civility in educational settings and the impact of political rhetoric on student interactions.