In the current climate of Higher Education (HE), university administrators and faculty are increasingly faced with the challenge of addressing unprecedented levels of student unrest. From social justice movements to mental health crises and financial insecurities, students are voicing their concerns louder than ever before. Therefore, it’s important that HE professionals learn effective ways of handling this unrest while still preserving students’ First Amendment rights.

The Scope of the Problem

HE professionals today are navigating a landscape fraught with significant challenges. The increasing frequency and intensity of student unrest are often fueled by broader societal issues such as racial inequality, global affairs, political polarization, and economic instability. 

With social media amplifying student voices, tensions can escalate rapidly into conflicts and potentially dangerous protests, resulting in major disruption to university operations and even legal consequences for individuals. This makes it harder for universities to manage conflicts effectively. These dynamics necessitate a strategic, empathetic, and proactive approach from university leaders to maintain campus harmony and ensure a productive educational environment.

Here at GoodCourse, we’re fortunate to sit down with some of the most inspirational voices in US Education through our series, The Interview. Here, we share some of their invaluable insights, covering how they manage and respond to student unrest.

Taking a multifaceted approach

Engaging students on anything at scale is a challenge, but when it comes to something as complex as civil unrest, taking a multifaceted and dynamic approach is paramount. Addressing student concerns effectively requires more than just listening; it demands active engagement, education, and the creation of opportunities for meaningful dialogue. This approach ensures that students feel heard, understood, and supported in their activism and advocacy efforts.

Kimberly Ferguson-Scott, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach in her experience dealing with campus protests and civil unrest:

In the last three institutions I've worked at, I have seen protests and civil unrest on campus. For me, it’s about three things; communication, civility, and advocacy. If you don't make those a part of your student affairs program, you're not going to be successful. You need to be visibly engaged and focus on teaching students about advocacy. 

While it’s important to keep advocacy at the heart of student affairs, it’s also vital that we don’t lose sight of the end goal of protest and unrest. Students protest when they want to see change, and it’s up to HE professionals to listen to that voice, as Ferguson-Scott goes on to highlight:

Protest is all about optics; in the end, you have to be able to come to the table and discuss solutions. It needs to be a collaborative process. 

Learn more from Kimberly's experience and expertise in her full feature here.

Balancing Freedom of Speech and Respectful Behavior

The challenge of maintaining a balance between free speech and respectful behavior is a significant issue on many campuses, and this delicate balance requires a nuanced approach, recognizing the importance of free expression while ensuring that discourse remains respectful and constructive. In an era where social media can amplify and sometimes distort messages, setting clear guidelines and expectations for behavior is crucial.

In his feature on The Interview, Glenn McIntosh, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer at Oakland University, discussed how societal issues and the reach of social media complicate this balance, and how he and his team seek to remedy that:

Freedom of speech is very important, but there’s a question about where we draw the line. There’s so much unrest and discontent in our society — pair that with the reach of social media, and a lot of inappropriate speech is thrown around. 

Placing the expectation on students to use their First Amendment responsibly is a good idea — but it’s also important that leaders within the institution are role-modeling the right behavior, so students can follow, as McIntosh goes on to say:

Our young people are a reflection of our society, so when leaders are disrespectful, they sometimes mimic that. We must set clear expectations of behavior and speech and a positive example.

Learn more from Glenn's experience and expertise in his full feature here.

Engaging and Educating Through Dialogue

Effective engagement and education during protests and demonstrations can transform potential conflicts into learning opportunities, giving students a chance to engage positively every time they don’t agree with something. 

This approach not only addresses immediate tensions but also fosters long-term skills in critical thinking, empathy, and civic engagement. During our interview with Jared Tippets, Vice President for Student Affairs at Southern Utah University, he shared an innovative strategy used by his administration to promote understanding and dialogue:

Any time students hold a protest or demonstration, administrators walk around with signs that read, 'Why is the university allowing this event to happen? Talk to me about your First Amendment rights.' All these signs are meant to invite any student frustrated by the event to engage with us. Then we can educate them about the importance and value of free speech and how we are committed to protecting everyone’s First Amendment rights.

When educators consistently emphasize to students why the university allows everyone to access their First Amendment rights, it allows students to understand the benefits and responsibilities that come with that.

Learn more from Jared's experience and expertise in his full feature here.

Fostering Learning Through Difference

Exposure to diverse perspectives is essential for personal and educational growth. It challenges students to critically evaluate their own beliefs, broaden their understanding of societal issues, and develop empathy for others’ experiences. 

This exposure prepares students to navigate a complex and interconnected world with respect and open-mindedness. During her feature on The Interview, Patty Perillo, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, highlighted how her institution encourages students to engage with differing viewpoints constructively:

Learning happens best in the context of difference. So we encourage students to respond in ways that feel right for them and they will counter-protest, and fight speech that they disagree with. We want to actively engage students and help them become better versions of themselves by overcoming this struggle.

Here, Perillo’s insight underscores the importance of fostering a campus environment where students not only encounter diverse perspectives but also learn to navigate disagreements constructively. By encouraging active engagement and empowering students to advocate for their beliefs while respecting others', we shape future leaders who can thrive in a world rich with differing viewpoints and ideas.

Learn more from Patty's experience and expertise in her full feature here.

Conclusion

As HE professionals navigate the complexities of unprecedented student unrest, the insights shared by experts on The Interview provide a valuable framework.

By understanding the root causes of unrest, balancing freedom of speech with respect, engaging in proactive dialogue, fostering learning through diversity, and maintaining transparent communication, universities can better address the needs of their students and foster a more harmonious campus community.

About GoodCourse

Universities trust GoodCourse to enhance student experience through engaging training courses designed for today’s learners. By combining social-media-style content with expert research, GoodCourse offers effective education on topics ranging from preventing sexual harassment to promoting free speech. This approach equips both students and staff with the necessary tools to create safer, more inclusive campus environments.

Talk to a member of our team today to learn about how other universities are improving student outcomes, increasing engagement, and meeting regulatory requirements.