"Difficult Dialogues" Initiative

Barnard College was one of 26 higher education institutions to receive $100,000 for academic programs to promote campus environments where sensitive subjects can be discussed in a spirit of open scholarly inquiry, academic freedom and with respect for different viewpoints. The Ford Foundation made the awards in its "Difficult Dialogues" initiative in New York City on Dec. 12, 2005.

The Difficult Dialogues initiative was created in response to reports of growing intolerance and efforts to curb academic freedom at colleges and universities. The goal is to help institutions address this challenge through academic and campus programs that enrich learning, encourage new scholarship and engage students and faculty in constructive dialogue about contentious political, religious, racial and cultural issues.

One key component of the Difficult Dialogues initiative at Barnard College will be the development of "Reacting to the Past" game, "The Founding of Israel, 1947-48".  Under the direction of Mark C. Carnes (Creator, "Reacting to the Past") and Natasha Gill (faculty), a team of scholars, activists and members of international organizations will gather to design the game. Student roles will be developed and documents gathered to inform and enrich the game, enabling participants to confront the most difficult aspect of the conflict in a safe but challenging environment. The Reacting pedagogy will break down myths and immerse students in the different politics that shaped Middle Eastern identities. Although conceived as part of the First-Year Foundation, we are leaving open the possibility that this Reacting game may be more appropriate for advanced students.