Bridging Differences

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The University of Minnesota is firmly committed to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the rights of students, faculty, and staff to express their views in our community. Core to this commitment is free, open, and respectful dialogue, regardless of viewpoint. 

Throughout the school year, our campuses will be filled with activities, conversations, and educational opportunities related to civic engagement, the free expression of perspectives and ideas, and the responsibilities we share in creating a safe and affirming environment for all. 

At this time of great division across the globe, it is crucial for the University to sustain an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds so they may learn, work, and live as essential members of our campus communities. University policies help to uphold our values, promote a culture of mutual respect, and oppose racism and other forms of prejudice and intolerance.

Resources

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Side by Side podcast

The rural-urban conversation is much more complex than we are led to believe. To prosper together, we will need to better understand how rural and urban communities are connected, to be each other’s allies, to learn from each other, and to work together to meet today’s biggest challenges.

Join University of Minnesota Extension host Ellen Wolter as she explores the interdependent relationship between rural and urban spaces and talks with guests including Heidi Heitkamp, Tuleah Palmer, RT Rybak, Julie Tesch, Jake Loesch, Rhymefest, Tony Pipa, Brian Dabson, and Brigid Tuck about why this complex and necessary relationship matters.

Listen now

Classroom Conversations: Faculty and Student Reflections on Fostering Political Discourse (video)

The Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL), and Center for Education Innovation (CEI), and Office for Equity & Diversity (OED) collaborated to create two videos featuring faculty and student voices and experiences. Classroom Conversations: Faculty Reflections on Fostering Political Discourse showcases faculty sharing how they help students navigate complex political issues and challenging conversations in their classrooms. The companion video, Classroom Conversations: Student Reflections on Fostering Political Discourse, features students describing classroom practices that are particularly meaningful and impactful.

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Current Event Stress Support

Current events and racial/social injustices can have an impact on mental wellbeing. Student Counseling Services has individual counseling and groups to help students process what is happening in our communities and around the world.

Community responsibilities

Ensuring the campus is a safe place for all students, faculty, and staff, where the robust exchange of ideas is everyone’s right — even those we disagree with — is the bedrock of our educational mission. 

We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to be familiar with University policies that most commonly align with freedom of expression and public discourse.