By Ryan Ryu ’25
As the 2024 Presidential Election season approaches, the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy (CJD) is focusing on a key theme: “Civic Respect.” In a time marked by political polarization, CJD aims to cultivate an environment where students engage in respectful, thoughtful political discourse. The theme is inspired by the scholarship of Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse, emphasizing two essential principles: “recognition respect”—acknowledging the intrinsic moral worth of all individuals—and “democratic engagement,” which encourages openness to diverse political perspectives.
CJD’s initiative aligns with its broader mission of preparing students for active, informed citizenship. Throughout the election season, the center will host a series of events, discussions, and debates that emphasize pluralism and respectful engagement. These initiatives are designed to help students practice disagreeing constructively, deepening their understanding of differing viewpoints. Central to these efforts is the recognition that democracy thrives when individuals can discuss their differences in a spirit of mutual respect.
“As we approach the 2024 election season, let’s remember the importance of recognizing everyone’s intrinsic worth and the power of respectful dialogue,” says the Director of the Center for Citizenship and Just Democracy, Mr. McMann. “At the Center, we are committed to fostering leaders who value democratic equality and are open to engaging with diverse political perspectives.”
The programming kicked off with the “Civic Respect” School Meeting on Friday, September 6, introducing students to the core values of recognition-respect and pluralism. This meeting set the tone for the upcoming election season at Gunn. Following this, CJD will offer cross-partisan dialogue workshops where students will practice listening to opposing viewpoints and engaging in civil conversations. These sessions, held weekly on Wednesday evenings, will prepare students for larger school-wide debates, discussions, and advisor meetings in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Collaboration between the Gray Party and the FGS Chapter of Youth Commons, a national NGO that aims to depolarize democracy through youth participation, will further guide students in exploring complex political issues while maintaining a respectful tone.
One of the standout components of CJD’s Election 2024 programming is the Braver Angels Debate Series, in which students will debate U.S. and foreign policy issues with a strong emphasis on the principles of civic respect. These debates will be followed by discussions that explore how to apply respect in even the most contentious political conversations. The program will culminate in the Youth Voices in Democracy Summit 2024, which will bring together students from New England to strategize on civic engagement and respectful dialogue.
The long-term vision of CJD is clear: by focusing on civic respect, the center hopes to cultivate a generation of citizens capable of engaging constructively across political divides. This approach prepares students for the upcoming election and equips them with the tools needed to navigate political discourse in a polarized world. Respectful engagement is not just a temporary goal for the election season but a foundational principle that will shape students’ contribution to a more united democratic society.
