Can universities bring back civil debate? Harvard shows the answer is deceptively simple

Harvard Crimson’s editorial board has shown that civil debate on campuses is possible, even on polarizing issues like Israel–Palestine. By adopting simple ground rules like respecting dissent, curbing emotional outbursts, banning laptops, and fact-checking in real time, students built trust and sharper arguments. Their approach offers universities a blueprint to revive meaningful dialogue without hostility, reclaiming the lost art of respectful debate.