Dear Liberal Professor, Students Aren’t The Problem
Published at Chronicle Vitae on June 10, 2015.
That is because I emphasized respect, dignity, and empathy in our discussions of those hard topics. Sometimes, students’ feelings were hurt, and so were mine. I recognized the legitimacy of their feelings. More important, I emphasized and modeled mutual respect and empathy. I treated my students as I wanted them to treat me. The Golden Rule is a pretty good standard for social interaction inside and outside of the classroom. (Also, don’t be a jerk.)