Principles of Civil Discourse
Guiding Inquiry and Dialogue at Burroughs
At Burroughs, education flourishes where curiosity, respect, and courage meet. Guided by our mission statement, “We teach our students to question, to think for themselves, to imagine, to see, to solve problems, to understand subtleties, and to appreciate ambiguity.” We believe that a truly excellent education requires not just exposure to diverse people and perspectives, but a culture of inclusivity, equity, and mutual respect, one that helps students grow into thoughtful, engaged members of a complex world. We nurture a community where freedom of thought and expression coexist with belonging, and where students and teachers engage the world with openness, care, and respect for others. In doing so, we prepare students not only for academic success, but for thoughtful participation in a diverse and democratic society.
Practices That Guide Us
We cultivate spaces for thoughtful discussion, engaged listening, and respectful disagreement. We reflect on our own beliefs, assumptions, and potential biases as part of engaging in authentic civil discourse. We aim to move from coexisting to truly engaging, creating space for diverse viewpoints while maintaining our commitment to truth, inclusivity, and mutual respect. We commit to:
- Fostering reflection, and meaningful discussion in a diverse and interconnected world.
- Grounding conversations in credible sources and relevant evidence, evaluating information thoughtfully and engaging complexity with care in an age-appropriate manner.
- Listening with curiosity and patience to perspectives different from our own.
- Reflecting on our assumptions and biases and distinguishing between disagreement and disrespect.
- Challenging ideas while honoring the dignity of those who hold them.
- Avoiding demeaning or dismissive language that questions someone's worth; disagreeing without demonizing.
- Rejecting personal attacks, hostility, and misrepresenting facts or arguments to advance a particular viewpoint.
- Creating the conditions to deepen dialogue rather than diminish it.
- Respecting the educational purpose of each class and its lessons.
We recognize that important and sometimes difficult moments arise unexpectedly. In those moments, we aim to pause, consider both intent and impact, and respond in ways that reflect our values. We acknowledge that these conversations may be difficult and may surface a range of emotions. When those moments occur, we will attempt to assume good and honest intentions and seek to restore damaged relationships. By living these shared commitments, we foster a principled, inclusive learning environment where all community members can engage meaningfully and grow together.