Evergreen college requires classes on civil discourse

In the wake of a turbulent semester, freshman at Evergreen State College will be required to take an orientation seminar on how to debate with others in a civil, respectful, and peaceful manner.

The seminar is called “Conversing Across Significant Differences” and is among several other mandatory meetings for incoming students this fall. According to the school, it consists of a “panel discussing the myriad of the way we challenge each other to learn.”

Last May, the campus erupted in a series of chaotic demonstrations and anger after a teacher spoke out about an annual day focused on minorities. That teacher has filed a $3.8 million lawsuit against the school and vowed not to return until the campus was made “safe” for him again.

RELATED: Rep. Matt Manweller aims to cut Evergreen off from state

A Republican state lawmaker from Eastern Washington blasted the protests and said he wants the Legislature to privatize the school.

Rep. Matt Manweller (R-Ellensburg) introduced a bill that would ratchet down state funding for Evergreen over five years.

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