On October 12, 2023, after a violent incident on the Berkeley campus, an Israeli and a Palestinian professor who disagree vehemently came together to issue a call for respect and dignity on the Berkeley campus: Dr. Ron Hassner (Professor of Israel Studies) and Dr. Hatem Bazian (Lecturer of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures and Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies). In this episode, Manisha interviews Dr. Hassner about the events leading to this statement, the role of free speech on college campuses, and how he defines respect and dignity in difficult conversations. In this illuminating conversation, Hassner offers a nuanced perspective on how educators can navigate difficult conversations in the classroom through listening, self-reflection, and respectful inquiry. He cautions against what he sees as a dangerous trend of professors and graduate students getting involved in student protests and political actions and a cultural pattern where students complain of being “triggered” and ask for material to be watered down in the classroom. He highlights how, in an intellectual environment, it is impossible for everyone to agree, but the possibility for civil discourse can persist amidst strong differences. Hassner also offers invaluable advice to parents who wish to foster critical thinking in their children and teens. Hassner and Bazian’s brave statement offers hope for dialogue and intellectual discourse in these polarized times, where so many are navigating trauma and confusion surrounding global conflict. Dr. Ron Hassner, Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, is a renowned scholar in religion and conflict. Holding the prestigious Chancellor's Chair and the Helen Diller Family Chair in Israel Studies, Hassner's academic journey is distinguished by a B.Sc. from the London School of Economics and advanced degrees from Columbia and Stanford Universities, culminating in a Ph.D. from Stanford. His expertise, especially in the contentious realms of sacred spaces and military religions, is honored by Berkeley's "Distinguished Teaching Award" and accolades from the International Studies Association and the American Political Science Association. As the faculty director of the Helen Diller Institute for Jewish Law and Israel Studies, Hassner continues to lead and innovate in the study of international disputes and ethical governance.
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Time Codes
00:00:00 — Introduction: Manisha welcomes Dr. Ron Hassner
00:02:30 — Dr. Hassner delves into his academic journey, shedding light on his passion for Israeli studies and conflict resolution
00:05:00 — Exploring the unexpected value and potential of academic disagreements as a catalyst for deeper understanding
00:07:15 — Dr. Hassner recounts a significant event that shaped his approach to addressing contentious issues within academia
00:10:00 — An in-depth discussion on how conflicting viewpoints in academia are inevitable and essential for intellectual growth
00:15:00 — A conversation on the unique role universities play in mediating conflicts and fostering a culture of peace and dialogue
00:18:45 — Examining how polarized environments affect academic discourse and the pursuit of truth
00:20:30 — Dr. Hassner reflects on his experiences of working collaboratively with colleagues holding opposing viewpoints
00:23:00 — A detailed analysis of a specific case study from Dr. Hassner's research, illustrating the complexities of academic debates
00:28:30 — Navigating Ideological Differences: Strategies and approaches for handling ideological differences in academic settings for productive outcomes
00:35:00 — A discussion on how to engage in productive academic conversations that bridge differences and foster learning
00:40:00 — Concluding Thoughts: Key takeaways and reflections from the discussion
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at
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