College Students Give Politicians a Lesson in Manners

Political opponents should be respectful of each other.

Though that statement seems a bit of a no-brainer, Allegheny College political science professor Dan Shea says the idea escapes many of today’s elected officials.

That’s why this May, Shea helped a national conference of both liberal and conservative college students come up with a list of “Ten Tips to Improve Civility” in the political arena.

“There should be a willingness to listen to opposing views. They should acknowledge the legitimacy of adversaries. They should ask clarifying questions before responding, things like that,” says Shea.

Shea says college is a great place to start teaching young people that politics doesn’t have to be about rudeness.

The Ten Tips to Improve Civility can be found here.