Area high school students learn the art of speaking civilly about hot topics

By Damian Mann for Ashland.news

Local high school students relished their deep dive into navigating some of the thorniest political issues of our time at the first-ever Southern Oregon Law Day on Thursday at Southern Oregon University.

“You can create a space on campus where you can have these type of conversations,” said Ross Irwin, chief development officer of BridgeUSA, an organization that shows students how to talk civilly and respectfully about hot topics such as affirmative action, the homeless and the First Amendment.

The half-day event, held at Stevenson Union on the SOU campus, featured a number of experts in their respective fields, as well as opening remarks by Rep. Pam Marsh, D-Ashland, and closing remarks by Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland.

Elaine Rodriguez with the Oregon Department of Justice discussed hate speech and free speech.

Eric Mitton, Medford city attorney, discussed how local municipalities have responded to the homeless crisis.

Jessica Peterson, an SOU professor, explored academic routes for a career in criminal justice.

Representatives from Ashland Police Department, the Oregon Youth Authority and the U.S. Office of the Public Defender gave presentations.

“Law Day is designed to deepen understanding of legal, social and political issues, while providing high school students with a unique opportunity to explore careers in and around the law,” said Timaree Joe, event organizer.

Joe said she had expected almost 200 students at the event, but conflicts with other school events resulted in fewer students showing up.

Students, some of whom were considering a career in criminal justice, attended workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by a speakers from various backgrounds.

BridgeUSA started in Berkeley, California, to find ways to have civil conversations about politically divisive issues rather than violent demonstrations.

“Actually a lot of students wanted to talk about their disagreements, rather than brawling about them,” Irwin said.

At his presentation, Irwin provided ground rules for discussions, including acknowledging the diversity of viewpoints, having constructive dialogue and solutions-oriented dialogue.

Students were encouraged to change their minds about a subject and avoid pretending to listen, stage hogging, ad hominem attacks (attacking the character, motives, etc. of an opponent rather than debating the issue on logical grounds) or selective listening.

Irwin encouraged the students to empathize and to phrase statements in a non-confrontational manner.

Students rose to the challenge, engaging in conversations with one another without the rancor and polarization found in much political discourse today.

On  the First Amendment, which enshrines freedom of speech, religion and the press, students found it a difficult place any limitations, with one student calling it “too complicated.”

Affirmative action was one topic that resonated with students, some saying it has backfired on people of color or that it perpetuates racism, while others said it helps create a level playing field and that the U.S. still has considerable racial divisions.

“I wish it wasn’t necessary, but it is,” said, Zaire Coltier, a junior at Ashland High School. “It’s trying to make up for historical inequality.”

Coltier said people of color often have to work much harder to succeed, going through extra hoops to get ahead.

Others thought universities shouldn’t consider the color of somebody’s skin, but rather base admissions on their academic merits.

Some students said those born into poverty also have to jump through more hoops to get ahead academically.

“Affirmative action can be really harmful, valuing race over a skill set,” said Amos Turnbeaugh, a senior at Eagle Point High.

At the same time, Turnbeaugh said he feels bad that racism exists.

In a later session of the BridgeUSA presentation, Amara Lowe, the president of the Ashland High Black Student Union, voiced her support for affirmative action.

“It ensures you do get a fair shot,” she said.

Irwin asked students their thoughts on online activism, a topic which received generally unfavorable reviews from students.

“It’s a lot easier to dehumanize people,” said Cora Turner, president of the Ashland High Queer Straight Alliance.

Turner and Lowe were the only two students who showed up to speak with Sen. Golden at the end of the event, which allowed for greater one-on-one time with the  students. Both Turner and Lowe, who are friends, expressed an academic interest in pursuing criminal justice or local government.

Golden said politicians typically have two reasons to reach out to young people, one being a self-centered reason to get their vote and another that is nobler.

“We can’t have a successful democracy if young people aren’t engaged,” he said.

Golden said those who are 35 and younger are one of the smallest voting blocs.

Turner and Lowe, who aren’t voting age yet, appeared ready to buck that trend, asking Golden if they could potentially intern in Salem.

“How can we get involved,” Lowe asked.

He suggested sending a letter and resume to either his office or to Rep. Marsh’s. Golden also offered to provide a tour of the capitol in Salem to students.

Lowe said, “What strategies are the most effective in talking to people with opposing views?”

Golden said he had one tried and true ice-breaker: “Talk about their kids and grandkids.”

Turner asked Golden if lobbyists should be a key part of political decision making.

Golden said lobbyists are a far bigger issue on the federal level, though they’re a concern at the state level as well. In his years in government, Gold said he’s seen a variety of lobbyists.

He said he tries to gauge whether a lobbyist is in it for the money or has really considered all aspects of a particular topic.

If a lobbyist can express an opponent’s viewpoint with clarity, he tends to trust them more

On the other hand, he said, “There are lobbyists I don’t care to ever talk to.”

Reach writer Damian Mann at dmannnews@gmail.com.