Polarization is everywhere. In Congress and on cable news. In family dynamics. And in social media feeds designed to spark outrage. In an increasingly divided world, we need to learn how to talk to each other.

But sometimes navigating hot button issues can feel like walking through a minefield. Should we speak up in class? How do we respond to that one uncle at Thanksgiving? Can we turn division into respectful dialogue? And how do we sift through information overload to find a path forward?

Our students learn that different perspectives don’t have to divide us. They can spark growth, discovery and stronger communities. We also give our students the critical-thinking tools they need to turn uncertainty into decisive action. So, learning how to have those tough talks might even open minds, forge connection and conquer our toughest challenges.

That’s why WashU is creating opportunities for students to engage with people whose viewpoints may be very different from their own. Students from all over the world and all 50 states, from rural and urban settings, and from a variety of economic backgrounds bring a wide range of voices and experiences to campus, enriching classroom discussions and everyday conversations alike.

We provide spaces where students can practice. Through Dialogue Across Difference, students spend eight weeks learning how to tackle delicate subjects — politics, religion, race, gender — with empathy and skill. They don’t just argue. They listen, ask questions, reflect and continue to learn through campus-wide activities that reinforce the class.

We support wider efforts through the Civil Society Initiative, which offers workshops and gatherings that encourage respectful conversation and help students sharpen these skills.

And when it is time to make a decision, our students have learned to how to tune out the noise and discern the facts. In interdisciplinary programs like Beyond Boundaries, students work through complex issues backed by the expertise of the many disciplines at WashU. They are able to gather data and use logic to determine their best course of action.

In each setting, one principle guides us: debate and inquiry must be free from threats, humiliation or intimidation. Students learn to approach these moments with humility and empathy — and leave with the confidence to lead in an increasingly diverse, complex world.

The leaders of tomorrow won’t succeed by avoiding conflict. They’ll succeed by understanding that every perspective comes from somewhere and by engaging difference in ways that strengthen their ability to discern facts, take action, solve problems and bring people together.