Harvard University hosted a three-day Community and Campus Life forum, “Leading With Community,” from March 23 to 25, where faculty, staff, students, and administrators discussed how to approach disagreement in constructive ways.
The event addressed the importance of navigating differences productively within the university environment. Participants explored practical methods for remaining open during disagreements and fostering a campus culture that welcomes diverse perspectives.
Sherri Ann Charleston, chief community and campus life officer at Harvard, encouraged attendees to leave with actionable ideas. “I want each of us to leave with at least one concrete practice that you will try to do differently in your corner of Harvard, in your own lives, or in the world,” Charleston said during the forum’s second day. She added that participants would have opportunities “to lean in, to hear from your colleagues, to engage in conversation, to try new approaches to building connection across differences.”
President Alan Garber linked these skills directly to Harvard’s mission. He said: “Truth is rarely found in echo chambers. Many of the most profound breakthroughs in our understanding of the world and of humanity did not come from consensus. It came from individuals who dared to challenge orthodoxy … If we hope to continue making profound breakthroughs, we must have a community culture that genuinely welcomes the expression of a wide range of views, rooted in different backgrounds, interests, and beliefs.”
Julia Minson—a professor at Harvard Kennedy School—spoke about behavioral science research on disagreement during her talk on March 24 coinciding with her book release “How to Disagree Better.” Minson explained there is strong evidence that thoughtfully engaging with opposing perspectives leads people and organizations toward better decisions but acknowledged most people avoid such exchanges due to discomfort.
Minson also offered specific strategies using the acronym H.E.A.R.: hedge your claims; emphasize agreement; acknowledge other perspectives; reframe conversations positively. She demonstrated these techniques through group exercises designed for attendees.
The forum concluded by reinforcing that learning how to disagree constructively can help defuse conflict and build more reasonable discussions throughout campus life.
