PoliTalks Hosts "Disagreement is Democratic"

Bi-partisan student group aims to inspire political engagement on campus and in the community.

On October 17, the bi-partisan student group PoliTalks hosted a thought-provoking lecture titled "Disagreement is Democratic." Featuring Heather Mizeur, a former state delegate, congressional candidate, and founder of the WeAreOne Alliance, the event aimed to foster respectful political dialogue communitywide and encourage civic engagement. The event was sponsored by Washington College’s Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience, the Holstein Program in Ethics, and Phi Beta Kappa. 

Mizeur, known for her commitment to bridging political divides, emphasized the importance of civility and understanding in today's polarized climate.   

“The greatest risk we face right now as a nation is our polarization. We don’t trust each other,” Mizeur warned. "Respectful disagreement is the foundation on the road to the more perfect union we may still become." 

Throughout the evening, Mizeur shared personal anecdotes about her experiences building relationships with constituents from opposing political backgrounds, highlighting the power of open-mindedness and constructive dialogue in fostering lifelong friendships and partnerships across party lines. 

"We founded PoliTalks on the belief that students deserve a safe and respectful forum for political education and conversation," said Stephen Hook ‘25, co-founder of the club, on the decision to bring Mizeur to Washington. "Heather Mizeur's message of civility and collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission." 

Hook and Zach Affeldt ‘25 created the club last year after seeing a need on campus for more political engagement and education without partisan bias or rancor. Through the club, they hope to create a space for all students to feel comfortable sharing what they believe in and be willing to engage in civil conversations that make everyone better informed and equipped to be a part of the political process.  

"We hope this event will inspire our fellow students to become more engaged in the political process and to recognize the value of respectful dialogue," Affeldt said. 

Mizeur echoed the students’ sentiment, stating, "Democracy is precious. We must participate together to keep it alive. PoliTalks promotes a campus culture where honorable civic engagement is encouraged to thrive." 

Held just a few weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 election, the talk, which drew a large and diverse audience with nearly 90 students and local citizens in the audience, wrapped with a question-and-answer session where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Mizeur directly. Topics discussed ranged from the role of elected officials in fostering unity to strategies for overcoming political anger. 

One student asked how to get more involved in service to their communities. Mizeur championed their interest and desire to learn and do more when it comes to politics and civic engagement.  

“We’re 19 days before an election, so just coming out here tonight and engaging helps,” she said and encouraged the student to seek out opportunities to do more.  

“Democracy is our charge,” she said. “It’s about us – our collective dreams, desires, and vision for self-governance. Democracy is our freedom in action. It’s the bringing together of all sides to find the best solutions to the biggest challenges we face.”  

View Mizeur’s talk in its entirety on Washington College’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZmochW3u3G0. 

 - Dominique Ellis Falcon