Student Groups Lead Discussions in Preparation for U.S. Presidential Election

On Wednesday, October 30, the Civics Club, Young Democrats, and Young Republicans hosted a guided political discussion for the wider student community. The event was an opportunity for students to share their opinions and engage in meaningful conversation on the policies of the presidential candidates.

Civics Club president and co-founder Miranda De Olden ‘26 said two factors helped make the event a success.

“First, we kept the focus of our discussion on policy rather than ideology, creating a welcoming space for students who identify as independent, non-partisan, or undecided,” she said. “Second, and most importantly, as student political leaders, we set a tone of respectful civic dialogue right from the start.”

The event began with establishing discussion guidelines, built upon the same skills practiced around Lawrenceville’s Harkness tables: listening thoughtfully, respecting differences, and refraining from interrupting.

“We discussed the importance of practicing empathy, active listening, and steering clear of assumptions about others’ experiences or identities, as well as navigating conflict and discomfort thoughtfully,” De Olden said. “We also emphasized how our words and actions affect others, the value of finding common ground, and the power of coming together to solve problems. These skills are essential for bridging divides and joining forces, even when we disagree—something that’s crucial for a healthy democracy.”

Attendees were invited to break into small group discussions on topics concerning the economy, foreign policy, immigration, and more.

“The event went very well and I think everyone was able to find common ground with other students from diverse backgrounds, I know I sure could,” said Essie Chafin ‘26. “As co-president of the Young Republicans Club, I am used to holding conversations with students of similar views, but it was very refreshing being able to have a civil discussion with students with not-so-similar views, too.”

“I was incredibly impressed with how excited people were to engage in dialogue,” said Fifth Former Ben Maughan of the Young Democrats.

Putting Harkness Skills into Action

Last month, the student groups co-hosted a Presidential debate watch party, where they shared similar guidelines for respectful discussion.

English teacher Pier Kooistra, who served as an advisor for the students planning the event, said the students worked hard to “lay out procedures by which to achieve mutually curious, respectful dialogue.”

Kooistra noted that one of the models the students used to facilitate dialogue was based on an exercise called “The Believing Game” where “participants practice prioritizing inquiry over advocacy, trying to understand, ‘How can you help me to believe--or, at least, to consider as openly and fully as possible--the position you're framing? What facts can you share with me? What premises underlying your thinking can you spell out so that I can understand your interpretive logic?’"

Additional student programming around facilitating productive dialogue has included a session with the Religious Life Council to discuss peace in conflict and finding moments of connection in differences, and Civic Awareness Day hosted by the Hutchins Institute for Social Justice.

Strengthening a Foundation of Healthy Community Discourse

To continue to build and support a culture of healthy community discourse, faculty have been engaged in workshops on community building and guiding principles for facilitating challenging conversations or uncomfortable moments. Lawrenceville’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) gathered input from Heads of House, student leaders, and faculty to develop the content for the workshops, helping to ensure a cohesive approach.

“This framework fosters deep engagement with ideas through thoughtful deliberation, spirited debate, quiet reflection, and careful listening,” said Dean of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Cameron Brickhouse. “At its core, this approach aims to create and strengthen the bonds that tie our community together.”

“In our pursuit of meaningful discourse,” she added, “we rely on two powerful educational approaches: the Harkness method and Restorative Practices. These tools enable our community members to interact with genuine sincerity, fostering an environment of trust where everyone's dignity is respected. Through this process, we cultivate critical thinking skills and nurture independent thought.”

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.