FLASHPOINTS Vignette - Immigration

A professor (Latino, male) asks his class to discuss ways in which the topic of immigration might play out in the upcoming election. A variety of students voice their opinions about immigrants to the U.S. and their feelings about services and support immigrants receive. Discussion: How can discussions that might elicit a range of opinions and questionable language be framed for a class? What is the professor’s role in “managing” such a discussion? What should the faculty member do if they hear statements that are ill-informed or may be characterized as “hate speech”? What is the relationship between a professor’s own identity and the topic of discussion/debate and should this be acknowledged or addressed?