As a student at the University of Utah, I have witnessed firsthand the growing division and breakdown of productive dialogue among my peers. This is not about lighthearted disagreements, like sports rivalries or personal preferences. It is about our ability to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with one another on issues that truly matter, including politics, social justice, morality, and public policy. Too often, students make moral judgments about one another without taking the time to listen or understand opposing perspectives. This has contributed to heightened tension on campus and, in some cases, has escalated into conflict and violence in spaces that should be safe and focused on learning.

This petition proposes a Civil Discourse graduation requirement at the University of Utah, designed specifically not to make students’ lives harder. Rather than adding a new course or extending time to graduate, this requirement would integrate evidence-based civil discourse instruction into existing discussion-based classes that are already required, such as Writing 1010 and Writing 2010. These courses already involve regular dialogue and debate, but students are rarely taught how to engage in those conversations productively. By intentionally teaching these skills where discussion already occurs, the university can strengthen campus dialogue without increasing academic burden.

Civil discourse education would focus on practical, lifelong skills such as active listening, perspective-taking, modeling respectful disagreement, and engaging across deeply held differences. Research supports the effectiveness of this approach. Studies in deliberative democracy and dialogue-based education show that structured instruction in civil discourse reduces polarization, increases empathy, and improves students’ willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints. When students are given tools to communicate effectively, disagreement becomes an opportunity for learning rather than division.

The benefits of this initiative extend far beyond the classroom. A campus culture grounded in respectful dialogue promotes mental well-being, intellectual growth, and community safety. These skills are also essential beyond college, in workplaces, families, civic life, and democratic participation. At a time when the nation is deeply polarized, universities have a responsibility to help students navigate disagreement without dehumanization.

The University of Utah has the opportunity to lead by example. By embedding civil discourse education into existing coursework, the university can demonstrate that meaningful dialogue is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and carried into the broader world.

I urge the University of Utah administration to consider this proposal as a step toward fostering a safer, more inclusive, and more intellectually vibrant campus. Please sign this petition if you believe in improving dialogue at the U and equipping students with skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Together, we can take a meaningful step toward reducing division, starting right here on our campus.