Professors Jeff Baker and Tanya Cooper, "Open Conversations: Building Culture, Developing Discourse, Nurturing Democracy" -- Holloran Center Blog

Professor Tanya Asim Cooper and associate dean Jeffrey R. Baker have published the article "Open Conversations: Building Culture, Developing Discourse, Nurturing Democracy" with the Holloran Center Professional Identity Implementation Blog at University of St. Thomas.  The article reflects on Open Conversations at Pepperdine Caruso Law. Since 2015, the law school has hosted these regular lunch events for students to engage across difference and discuss controversies with each other. In an era of intense political and cultural polarization, Open Conversations are an effort build and defend a better culture of engagement, dignity, love and professionalism. 

Excerpt from "Open Conversations: Building Culture, Developing Discourse, Nurturing Democracy"

The broad objective for Open Conversations is to build a healthy culture within our law school community. It is not to resolve every issue or to engage in antagonistic debate; there are plenty of other opportunities for that during law school. Rather, it is to enrich our discourse with care, respect, and dignity, even over the most contentious issues.

The complete article may be found at Holloran Center