Civil Discourse Symposium will highlight Gen Z voices with student panel

Three students - Claire Huntley, John Watson and Ryan Wawrzyniak - will serve as panelists and lead discussion about the issues that are important to them. Warsen said his class studied a list of social issues important to Gen Z and will use that as a foundation for dialogue. Small group conversations at the event will be facilitated by a Gen Z student and a non-Gen Z person.

Warsen, who is also graduate program director and faculty for the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership program, said he hopes participants take away the tools to have civil discussions about political, social issues and other tough topics using the tenets of civil discourse.

"We will discover why these issues are important to students by asking open-ended questions and developing deeper listening skills," he said. "It's a meaningful exchange when you learn how people arrive at these issues."

Lisa Perhamus, director of the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse and professor of interdisciplinary studies, said the intergenerational dialogue planned for the November 21 symposium showcases the center's mission.

"The annual symposium is one way the center lives out its mission as it gathers students, staff, faculty and community members for conversations about meaningful social issues," Perhamus said. "The center is committed, especially during this post-election season, to bridging divides and finding healing paths forward through conversation."