Today’s students will graduate into an increasingly pluralistic local, national, and international environment in which it will be impossible to insulate oneself from the complex issues facing humanity and from individuals who have different yet deeply held beliefs about these issues. Responding to the complex issues of the twenty-first century in a way that promotes peace, mutual understanding, and respect for human dignity requires citizens and leaders who are skilled in listening closely, understanding and appreciating human differences, and promoting rational and respectful discourse.

The purpose of the Padnos/Sarosik Civil Discourse Faculty Fellow is to prepare Grand Valley students to take their place as leaders in promoting civil discourse in West Michigan and beyond and to serve as catalysts for vital discussions and debates while they are students. A goal of the Center is to familiarize students with various tools that will help them analyze and understand the political, cultural, and personal motives and assumptions behind people’s adherence to particular opinions and to teach the skills that will enable students to bring divergent views to the table with reasoning and respect.

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