Lizzie Swanson ‘28
Chief News Editor
During a time of such strong political divisiveness, Holy Cross’ own Speech Peer Educators hosted a Dialogue Dinner this past Wednesday, September 17th in the Hogan Ballroom. With 69 members of our community registered, students and faculty alike stepped into the space ready to have a constructive conversation regarding recent events in our nation. Titled “Political Violence & the State of Democracy,” this event was motivated by recent gun violence in America as well as the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. Over the course of the evening, students were prompted with difficult and complex questions such as “Is political violence ever justified?” and “What role does the media play in our consumption of news?”
As participants entered the ballroom, they were randomly assigned to a table with roughly eight others. After a brief round of greetings, an official introduction given by President Vincent Rougeau, Dean Todd, and Dean Klingard commenced. Regarding recent events, Rougeau discussed the heavy weight that political violence puts on college campuses and schools. As an institution prided on its ability to communicate and strive for the freedom of speech, censorship and violence goes against Holy Cross’ Jesuit roots. “This is a violence against all of us, against our ability to live together in a democratic system. Every person has human dignity [which] requires an openness and ability to engage in difficult conversations.” Rougeau stated. Dean Klingard offered similar sentiments. “Weak parties tend to encourage violence, not strong parties.” Discussing the importance of conversation, these dialogue dinners are an important part of the Holy Cross culture of respect and preservation of human dignity. Dean Todd emphasized the possible negative consequences of consuming our news from solely social media. Anonymous users and half baked headlines mislead individuals into consuming news that is far from the truth.
After these remarks, the designated Speech Peer Educator stationed at each table led with a series of rules and questions, prompting participants to lead with curiosity and kindness, rather than judgement. Forty minutes were allocated for students and faculty to go around the table and discuss their own beliefs. Participants were additionally asked to give a closing statement and reflect on one part of the conversation they look forward to thinking about more after they leave the table. In a community oriented fashion, attendees, while having these conversations, dined on a delicious meal provided by the Holy Cross Hospitality team. Thanking one another before leaving, participants were sure to end the night on a positive and respectful note. This author’s table, in particular, was the last to leave the event, still thoroughly engaged in thought-provoking discourse. While participants disagreed with one another on a variety of topics, many were able to find common ground stemming from individual morals and a desire to create conversation. The College of the Holy Cross works to foster constructive dialogue in a safe environment. These Dialogue Dinners are just one way in which our community can get involved and work together to build a safer America, starting first here on the Hill.
Copy-edited by Colette Potter ‘26
Featured Image Courtesy of University of Maryland, Baltimore
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