Frederick M. Lawrence (pictured above) delivered a seminar on Monday Feb. 3 about free speech. He also educated students and faculty about ways in which to approach conversations where two people hold opposing opinions (courtesy of Brandeis University).
A sense of openness and excitement flowed through the MacVittie College Union Ballroom on Monday Feb. 3, as a combination of students and faculty members gathered for the Cultivating Community Series that addressed the idea of free speech.
As written on the Cultivating Community pamphlet, the series “draws on mindful dialogue and creative thinking as the tools through which we can learn, understand, connect and grow.”
The event was hosted by the co-coordinators of this series, professor of communication Meredith Harrigan and Chief Diversity Officer robbie routenberg.
Harrigan and routenberg each introduced the series and addressed the mindfulness they hoped for the seminar to achieve. Following those remarks, President Denise Battles introduced the event’s main speaker, Frederick M. Lawrence.
Lawrence has many achievements, one of which is the fact that he “is the tenth secretary and CEO of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s first and most prestigious honor society, founded in 1776.”
Lawrence gave a short presentation on free speech and how to respond to people who you disagree with. In this talk, he explained that he read an article written by two people on a topic they disagreed on: abortion. For this article, they wanted to try and write something that they agreed on in relation to this topic; they were able to write about things such as adoption and childcare. Lawrence read this article and it inspired him to write an article with a colleague on something they disagreed on, which they were able to do.
During this talk, Lawrence also discussed how people need to listen more mindfully to what others are saying, rather than mindlessly argue. He emphasized the fact that this will not be able to solve anything, and that it is possible to listen to other people without changing initial opinions.
After the seminar ended, audience members discussed ways to approach conversations dealing with difficult topics and how to further understand other people’s perspectives. Many of the audience members were Geneseo staff and faculty, professors, librarians and provosts. Due to the age difference between students and adults at the tables, some discussions led into the generational gap and the influence of social media on interactions, whether face-to-face or technologically. To close the event, Lawrence reconvened with all attendees and sorted through the different responses aloud.
There are two more events in this series that will take place throughout this semester. This series is a great way to become more involved on campus, as well as to create more connections with the faculty and administration on campus.