A system of self-government requires us to have productive conversations about difficult and sometimes divisive issues. Indeed, our ability to talk across difference is a fundamental democratic skill that can and should be taught to students of all disciplines. Our collective capacity to talk across difference must be supported however with university-wide opportunities to learn and practice constructive dialogue.

Talking Across Difference is a university-wide initiative aimed to equip educators, staff, and students to have productive conversations about difficult and sometimes divisive issues. We do this by offering support and opportunities to learn and practice the theory and the practice of respectful dialogue. 

This microsite is a dynamic hub for sharing resources and live opportunities for learning and practicing this critical democratic skill.

This initiative is based at the Eagleton Institute of Politics and is an extension of  Rutgers University’s participation in the Institute for Citizens and Scholars‘ the Faculty Institute on Dialogue Across Difference and Civic Discourse in the Classroom. 

For more information, contact:

We are grateful to those who make Talking Across Difference possible:

• Maury Lieberman and Leslie Scallet
• The Division of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civic Engagement