“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Abraham Lincoln’s immortal phrase from an 1858 speech rings more true today than at any time in my memory. The list of what divides us is long and complex: race, class, geography, religion, domestic and international policy issues, and, most of all, politics.
Since the Oct. 7 assault on Israel by Hamas and the Israeli government’s subsequent response in Gaza, many college campuses have become flashpoints of protest, vehement disagreement and, in some cases, expressions of hate and violence.
How universities have handled protests on their campuses has been a fascinating set of case studies in how to resolve conflict. In many situations, police have been called in to shut down encampments, leading to arrests and sometimes beatings. But in other cases, including at Northwestern and Harvard, protests have led to negotiations and compromise that protect free speech, ensure student safety and foster dialogue on difficult issues.
These agreements remind us that peaceful protest and compromise are signs of a healthy democracy. They are privileges enjoyed only by people lucky enough to live in a free country. Unfortunately, this lesson has been lost on many people in positions of power.
Recently, I interviewed Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and Republican Sen. Mitt Romney at an event in Washington. Both were willing to challenge their own political parties and seek common ground across the aisle. Their paths were often lonely ones.
They both felt compromise and negotiation were essential to get things done and lamented the fact that there was tremendous pressure to do the exact opposite. As they both retire soon, the question is: Will anyone follow their examples? I am not so sure.
House Republicans deferred to former President Donald Trump and blocked an immigration bill that many Republican senators and conservatives supported. They have also held hearings to humiliate and manipulate college presidents to shut down protests.
They shamelessly brag about forcing university officials to resign and use it to raise millions of dollars in campaign contributions. None of these hearings has brought us any closer to peace or made anyone safer, either here in America or in the Middle East.
With brazen hypocrisy, some of these same politicians claim to be pro-Israel while they enable antisemitism in their political party. They stand by as Trump says that Jews who vote for Joe Biden hate “their religion.” Trump, as president, defended white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, who were chanting, “Jews shall not replace us.” Trump also came to the defense of Jan. 6 rioters, describing them as “hostages” and promising them pardons.
Just as in politics, our universities face pressures from all sides to resist negotiation and compromise. University boards and alumni often want swift resolution to a situation many find untenable. Social media and peer pressure compel student leaders away from the bargaining table.
The ability to listen, compromise and advance goals — however partial or limited — is desperately needed in every part of society: on college campuses, in government, in business and in life. It is the only way democracy survives. Absent people’s willingness to listen and understand, nothing moves, and there can be no progress.
I salute leaders on college campuses who sat on opposite sides of the table — divided by beliefs, age and power dynamics — and still found a path to common ground and peaceful resolution. I thank them for their strength and pragmatism and for setting an example for our political leaders across the country to follow.
I urge elected officials at every level of government to realize that political gains achieved through division and intransigence fundamentally undermine the goals of democracy. If those in power continue down this path, faith in government will continue to decline.
Lastly, I urge Americans everywhere to reflect on their own actions. Ignore those who want to inflame and divide and, instead, listen to your fellow Americans. They are going through the same everyday struggles as you and, very likely, want many of the same things as you.
We don’t have to allow disagreements — no matter how vehement — on many issues to block agreement or compromise on any issues. Instead, we can work together through our differences to build a stronger country and a better world. We can and we must if we want America to survive and thrive.
Arne Duncan is a managing partner at Emerson Collective. He was the U.S. secretary of education from 2009 to 2015.
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