Let’s teach our kids civility means respect

As we enjoy these summer months, we’d like to offer a simple reminder for consideration. We offer this reminder because as leaders of our local schools, we’ve noticed a trend that isn’t positive. Together, we’ve recently had in-depth conversations on this important topic. Civility, particularly political civility, matters.

The way we talk about politics and disagreements we may have not only affects public policy, it shapes how the next generation understands disagreement, democracy, and citizenship. They’re learning not just what to think, but how to think — and how to treat others who see the world differently.

That should give us pause.

Civility isn’t about sugarcoating our beliefs or pretending we all agree. It’s about treating people with respect, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. It’s about listening to understand, not just waiting to reply.

Specifically, within our schools, we serve families from all backgrounds and belief structures. Because of this, disagreements are certainly bound to happen. It’s important to remember that behind every situation or opinion is a person — someone’s parent, neighbor, teacher, or friend.

Here in our local community, we have a unique opportunity to set an example. We can model what it looks like to disagree without being disagreeable. That’s the kind of environment where real progress can happen — not just in policy, but also in understanding.

Let’s show our youth that passionate views don’t require personal attacks; that standing firm in your beliefs doesn’t mean shouting down someone else’s. Democracy works best when we remember we’re all in it together.

Civility isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of respect — for each other, and for the kind of future we want to build.

Janelle Brouwer, superintendent, Marion Independent School District; Tawana Grover, superintendent, Cedar Rapids Community School District; Amy Kortemeyer, superintendent, Linn-Mar Community School District; Chris McCarville, president, Xavier Catholic Schools and Douglas Wheeler, superintendent, College Community School District.