With the induction of every new presidential administration comes some amount of friction, turmoil and dissatisfaction. The college campus, with its enlightened faculty, spirited young people and climate that is so conducive to this friction, turmoil and dissatisfaction, and its enlightened faculty and its spirited young people with little else to do but pile kindling and timber upon this blazing fire so composed of friction, turmoil and dissatisfaction, is often made all the worse for it.

The classroom setting, however, really shouldn’t fall prey to such worthless, petty attacks and debates.

In few courses, lectures or laboratories is there really any need for such political discussions, and, in the few where there is, this Editorial Board would like to remind all involved that civil discourse, above all else, must remain civil.    

Please refrain from any personal attacks or belittling based upon anybody’s political views. No amount of alienation or ostracizing is justified in an educational setting.

To lecturers and professors in particular: Be aware of the class’ atmosphere. Steer unproductive, impassioned conversations toward meaningful ends, and maintain as best you can a welcoming academic atmosphere for all your students.

What’s more, be wary of inadvertently or, of course, knowingly pushing your own agendas on the classroom. Though it is somewhat impossible to remain totally free from bias when delivering lectures or information, or engaging in discussions, remember the captive, impressionable nature of your audience. Allow them to think for themselves.

To students: No, you haven’t got it all figured out; the class doesn’t need to hear your impassioned diatribe against the new President Donald Trump, nor do they want to hear how his plans, policies and legislations will be the saving of us all. Be civil in your conversation with others, and stay on track.

Though college towns and campuses are often breeding grounds for wonderful new ideas, thoughts, organizations and movements, they can just as often be breeding grounds for needless vitriol, hatred, bullying and even violence. It’s our duty, as students and as community members, to steer ourselves and others in the right direction.  

As our times heat up, and executive orders, confirmations and hearings all get going in full swing, as they have for some time now, these remarks are made more relevant than ever. There is a way to conduct meaningful discourse while refraining from personal attacks or unproductive discussions; and it’s more important than ever that we learn to do so in these changing times.