Engaging Across Difference: What Makes it Hard, and Why We Should Do It Anyway
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT
Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall · New Lenox, IL
About this event
Christopher Chapp and Kelly Shirah from St. Olaf’s Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community present: “Engaging Across Difference: What Makes it Hard, and Why We Should Do It Anyway” American politics and society is deeply polarized, and in recent years leaders in higher education have worked to build civil discourse pedagogies to improve campus climate and prepare students for a challenging political environment. Despite these efforts, civil discourse initiatives face strong headwinds, and students are often uncertain about whether investing in dialogue across difference adds value to their education. This talk addresses these concerns, arguing that intentional work to improve dialogue skills is important for students, faculty, and staff, and is an integral part of liberal learning. While research on best practices in civil discourse is still in its infancy, we have already learned a great deal about how to improve campus and classroom climate. Indeed, developing the capacity to engage in challenging conversations is an essential skill for civic life. Christopher Chapp is a Professor of Political Science and the Morrison Family Director of the Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community at St. Olaf College. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Chapp’s academic interests include political psychology and the dynamics of polarization and attitude change. He is author of numerous works, including Religious Rhetoric and American Politics: The Endurance of Civil Religion in Electoral Campaigns and Moral Issues: How Public Opinion on Abortion and Gay Rights Affects American Religion and Politics . As director of the Buntrock Institute, Chapp puts these scholarly interests into practice by supporting difficult discussion pedagogies on campus, as well as promoting political participation and civic engagement with his students. Kelly Shirah is the Associate Director of the Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community. She holds a M.A. from the University of MN and a B.A. from the College of the Holy Cross. She uses the training she received in her Master’s degree program in Educational Psychology/Counseling and School Personnel Psychology to further dialogue opportunities and training for St Olaf students. She is a Braver Angels certified workshop moderator and was a Bridging Differences in Higher Education Fellow through the Greater Good Science Center.
Event details
- Date and time
- Wednesday, October 14, 2026 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT
- Venue
- Center for Faith and Life, Recital Hall · New Lenox, IL
- Category
- Music
- Cost
- Cost not stated
- Age guidance
- Age guidance not specified
- Format
- In person
- Last verified
- October 3, 2026
Accessibility
Wheelchair: Not stated
Assistive Listening: Not stated
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