Dear Friends,
I’ve spent much of my life working on democracy building around the world, and almost everywhere, elections tend to exacerbate divisions in societies. Elections put major choices before citizens, and the representatives of those choices have a deep interest in pointing out their differences in order to distinguish themselves and win votes. In more polarized societies, elections can even be dangerous, as opposing forces move to protect their interests in an increasingly escalatory fashion.
Last week’s elections in the United States marked the end of an especially divisive electoral process and the start of a new shift in American politics that appears likely to continue the polarization here and around the world. Here at Kroc, we held a school-wide check-in last week, as well as several other sessions with students, to gauge how our community is doing. I was proud to see that first on everyone’s minds was concern for each other’s well-being, and a deep resolve to double down on the School’s mission to promote peace, justice, and innovation in all that we do. I’m continually inspired by all that my colleagues are doing to help address these deep needs of our times.
As a Peace School, we carry a special responsibility to bridge divides, even when we disagree with one side or the other, or all sides. Often the goals of dialogue can seem at odds with the goals of justice, just as our educational commitments to academic freedom and an open learning environment can at times seem at odds with our desire to take a stand for what we value. As ever, when we are in doubt about how to navigate these complexities, if we start with respect for our common humanity, listening to each other so as to try to understand first before we judge, we have a better chance of finding solutions.
With this in mind, we are working with Student Affairs and others at USD to hold a campus-wide facilitated dialogue for students on November 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 to discuss the impact of the elections on each of them, and to help them understand each other’s perspectives more deeply. All current students across USD are encouraged to attend to share their thoughts and to listen and learn from each other’s experiences as we think about what the elections mean for each of us.
I also want to say to our community partners, alumni, and friends in San Diego and beyond, please remember that the Kroc School is always a welcoming place for you to come together for help bridging divides in your neighborhoods and communities. If you need facilitation help, brainstorming, or just a beautiful spot to bring your team or networks to reflect and think out of the box, please visit us. And as always, my door remains open if I can be of help.
Thank you all for the work you do, for the hope that you inspire, and for your unwavering commitment to peace in the face of growing polarization worldwide. We at Kroc remain committed to you and your efforts.
With deep appreciation and gratitude,
Darren
About the Author
Darren Kew (Ph.D. in International Relations, Tufts University, 2002) is Dean of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, where he is also a professor. He studies the relationship between conflict resolution methods – particularly interfaith and inter-ethnic peacebuilding – and democratic development in Africa, Northern Ireland, and the United States.
