University Of Illinois Chancellor Calls For ‘Respectful Dialogue’

The Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign says there needs to be room and respect for all opinions on campus.

Chancellor Robert Jones says higher education institutions across the country are being challenged to create a climate where people feel empowered and safe to express their opinions and ideas. 

"This is especially true when the ideas expressed come into direct conflict with the values and belief of other members in our community," Jones said. 

Jones says universities progress when people debate tough issues in a respectful way. But, that civility is on the wane in higher education. "We’re seeing divisions and anger, resentment, discrimination and bullying take precedence," Jones said.

To that end, Jones says he is launching the Chancellor’s Critical Conversations series, dedicated to what he calls “respectful dialogue” around controversial topics.

Jones says the first topic in the series will be a discussion of Native American imagery which Jones calls the most divisive issue on the Urbana-Champaign Campus.

The Chancellor made is remarks Thursday during his "State of the University" address.