A student movement called BridgeUSA is working to facilitate structured political dialogue among students with different views. The organization, which was founded in 2017 at UC Berkeley, has grown rapidly and now has 146 chapters across the US. At its national summit in Philadelphia, 250 students gathered for leadership and moderation training, and to connect with peers from different regions and political perspectives. The movement emphasizes the importance of listening to political opponents and creating a safe space for discussion. A 2024 Knight Foundation-Ipsos study found that two in three college students self-censored on sensitive topics, and BridgeUSA believes that depolarization starts with getting rivals to sit down and hear each other out. The organization is planning to grow to 800 chapters, which could help make dialogue a campus norm and give quieter students 'social permission' to participate. By promoting dialogue, BridgeUSA aims to build civic knowledge, lead to informed action, and help students repair and rebuild their communities, regardless of the outcome of elections. The movement's success extends beyond election day, as it can help students work together and build a more inclusive and respectful campus environment.
Humanity
The Student Movement Addressing Campus Polarization Head On
Prepared with AI assistance; not independently fact-checked. Original source: Reasons to be Cheerful