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Tolerance Means Dialogue event hosted by the NOVA School of Law on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023. Featuring: Dialogue Catalysts: Robin Fretwell Wilson of the University of Illinois, Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and student winners of the Tolerance Scholarship. Moderated by Nausica Palazzo, Assistant Professor in Constitutional Law at the NOVA School of Law Opening Remarks by Margarida Lima Rego, Dean and Full Professor of the NOVA School of Law Closing Remarks by Teresa Pizarro Beleza, President of the Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia Co-Sponsors: St. Mary’s College of California 1st Amendment Partnership Fairness For All Initiative

Fedellis Le Ying Lim, Undergraduate, Queen Mary University of London Born and raised as a Malaysian Chinese, I was a minority in Malaysia, where approximately 70% of the population is Bumiputera (Malays and indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia), 22% Chinese, 6% Indians and 2% others. When I was much younger, I have always questioned why I had to dress so conservatively when visiting places of religious worship or government departments such as the passport renewal office. Surely, in Malaysia’s tropical climate, shouldn’t it be acceptable to wear crop tops, shorts and slippers? If I did not get to dress however I like, I told myself ‘It’s okay. Only a couple of hours. 忍.’ (meaning: endure or put up with it). Growing up, my parents taught me that in a country with vast cultural differences, different ethnicities live peacefully because of tolerance; and tolerance is not 忍, rather it is 明白 (meaning: understand). Dressing conservatively was not a hassle - I can choose to dress however I want. It then becomes a matter of whether I choose to respect the religious and cultural differences of other ethnicities by dressing appropriately at certain places. I chose to dress appropriately, because I learnt to understand that comfort should never come at the expense of respect and tolerance. It breaks my heart to see how over the course of history, the cause of so many wars and conflicts were due to differences: the Thirty Years’ War was due to the conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism; the Holocaust during World War II was due to the extreme support of Nazism and antisemitism; the Cold War was due to the friction between communism and capitalism and the list goes on. Evidently, differences are prevalent in every society to the end of time. Thus, I believe that for everyone to live together harmoniously, our goal should not be to eliminate differences by having one party assert dominance over the other. Rather, our goal should be tolerating, embracing and assimilating these differences. Bridging the gap between differences can be achieved through a plethora of ways, for example, peace conferences or treaties, international organisations such as the United Nations, education etc. Therefore in a plural society with majority and minority groups, everyone has a place. Voices should not only be heard, but also be respected. This respect goes far beyond mere acceptance of a different view. To respect is to tolerate and understand. Whether to 忍 or to 明白, it is all in the mindset. If everyone plays their role in being a little more open-minded, a little more kind-hearted and a little more willing to tolerate and 明白, these clashes and differences would unite us, instead of divide us. Showing empathy towards others would bridge any gaps or differences in culture, religion, opinion and insights, and the world would be more peaceful and harmonious even in a time of division. Therefore, tolerance was never about breaking down walls between different views; it was and will always be about building bridges.

Abdullah Alkariemy, Undergraduate, Queen Mary University of London November 23, 2023 As a student of political science and an avid reader of classical literature, I've come to perceive the social world as governed by certain laws akin to those in the physical world. Yuval Noah Harari, in his popular work Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind, eloquently describes our innate tendency as social animals to divide humanity into "us" and "them" based on cultural, religious, and linguistic similarities. While this division might have served an evolutionary purpose, in today's pluralistic societies like the UK, it poses a significant challenge. To address the complexities of diversity, it becomes imperative to work with the existing laws of human nature rather than against them. Designing solutions without considering these fundamental aspects is like constructing a rocket without acknowledging the laws of gravity – destined for failure. The key lies in recognizing and celebrating what unites us, fostering tolerance, respect, and cooperation. In my university library, as I pen these thoughts, it's easy to succumb to the apparent differences between "us" and "them." Yet, after several contemplative moments, I discerned two shared elements: we all attend university, and we all wear socks. These seemingly trivial commonalities underscore a more profound truth – our shared membership in the human race. While this realization may not be groundbreaking, it is often overlooked in our daily interactions. Indeed, when politicians seek to foster division and intolerance, their strategy often involves dehumanizing "them." Instead of emphasizing our common humanity, they frame the narrative as "us" versus "them," casting labels like "immigrants" against "the people." This unfortunate reality became disgustingly evident in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas Conflict. I witnessed firsthand the repercussions of such divisive tactics when my friend was senselessly accused of being a "terrorist" merely because she covered her hair. In this narrative, she was deemed as not belonging to "us" but categorised as part of "them," opening the door to harassment. The question arises: Why should it matter if someone is also human? The answer lies in the profound understanding that being human means experiencing emotions, dreams, desires, and pain. Each individual, regardless of background, carries a unique narrative that should elicit empathy, even in the face of the most entrenched enmity. I will never forget the girl in my class who was judged for giving her mind to merciless drugs, when instead of labelling her a victim who was trying to forget her brother’s death, she was accused of indolence and pleasure-seeking. Yet this “junkie” was no different to me and you, she was hurt, and aren't we all. Ultimately, fostering mutual respect in society necessitates finding elements of ourselves in everyone we encounter. At the very least, a glance at their feet – a shared humanity symbolized by the wearing of socks – can serve as a humble reminder that beneath the surface, we are all fundamentally the same. Tolerance is recognizing our shared humanity and embracing it as the foundation for a harmonious and empathetic society.

Sarah Faulkner, Graduate, Queen Mary University of London November 23, 2023 The climate crisis was first detected as a man-made phenomenon more than 40 years ago. We know that the consequences for all of humankind are severe, yet there is hope. My interest in the topic of tolerance through dialogue lies in the opportunity that remains for us to create a sustainable future, with a focus on the potential for communities divided by narratives of dissent to engage in a collective response. I am a mature student, born at the tail end of the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation and the mother of two ‘Millennial’ daughters. During their lifetimes I have seen our generations labelled, stereotyped, disenfranchised, and put into conflict with each other to meet political and economic agendas. The manufacture and repetition of oppositional narratives of identity in the media are, in my view, a form of oppression that causes injury to our relationships with each other and with ourselves. The ultimate injury is to our environment, as our attention is drawn away from the imperative to act on the earth crisis and its immediate threats to life, justice, and a sustainable future. In this context I argue that tolerance is the minimum requirement for a dialogue of repair, rather than an outcome in and of itself. Dictionary definitions of tolerance suggest a power relation in which differences of being, value or behaviour are allowed, endured, or accepted on sufferance. From this viewpoint the subversion of effort via the weaponization of identity is an omnipresent risk, even when the stakes are high. Tolerance is therefore a starting point for dialogue, a ceasefire that brings diverse interests into the room with a shared purpose. The role of dialogue in this scenario is to build foundations of community that enable collaboration and co-production in the design of a different future. This is not to say that the rich and unique histories, identities, and interests of individuals should be swept aside, instead I am advocating that we begin the process of getting to know, respect, and care for each other as fellow humans within conversations about a just and sustainable way of living for all. Some may question my right to speak about oppression, tolerance, dialogue, community, collaboration, and the future from my position as a white, British, educated, middle-class woman. My argument is that we must all speak, and speak together, if anything is to change, recognising the differences in opportunity, experience, and privilege that prevail in our unequal society. The ambition seems immense, yet dialogue is taking place across the globe via protest, education, art, research, and in political arenas. My hope for the future is that the voices raised will be raised together in a collective shout as they speak their truth to power. 0 Likes

Tolerance Means Dialogue events hosted by Queen Mary University of London School of Law on Thursday, November 23, 2023. Featuring: Dialogue Catalysts: Robin Fretwell Wilson of the University of Illinois, Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and John Adenitire, senior lecturer, Queen Mary University of London School of Law and co-director of Forum on Decentering the Human. Moderated by Eric Heinze Professor of Law & Humanities and the Executive Director, (CLDS) Centre for Law, Democracy, and Society at the Queen Mary University of London School of Law. Co-Sponsors: 1st Amendment Partnership Fairness For All Initiative

Tolerance Means Dialogue event hosted by the University of Oxford at Exeter College on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023. Featuring: Dialogue Catalysts: Robin Fretwell Wilson of the University of Illinois and Jonathan Herring, professor of Law at Exeter College. Moderated by Christos Kypraios, program coordinator of the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights. Co-Sponsors: 1st Amendment Partnership Fairness For All Initiative

Tolerance Means Dialogue event hosted by St. Mary's College of California on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023. Featuring: Dialogue Catalysts: Robin Fretwell Wilson of the University of Illinois, Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and student winners of the Tolerance Scholarship. Moderated by Stephen Woolpert, Professor of Politics at St. Mary’s College of California. Opening Remarks by Barbara McGraw, Director of the Center for Engaged Religious pluralism and Professor of Social Ethics, Law, and Public Life at the St. Mary’s College of California Co-Sponsors: St. Mary’s College of California 1st Amendment Partnership Fairness For All Initiative

The article reflects on the challenges of navigating a world where opinions are often polarized, using the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a case study. The writer, a Jewish student in Utah, discusses the societal tendency to assume binary positions on complex issues, highlighting the dangers of such assumptions for Jewish and Muslim students amid rising tensions. Advocating for tolerance and the pursuit of common ground, the piece underscores the potential for understanding and peace when individuals engage in empathetic dialogue, moving beyond the black-and-white perspectives that dominate public discourse. Read the full article here

This narrative explores the profound impact of tolerance on personal relationships and identity acceptance. Through a deeply personal story, the author highlights tolerance as a powerful act of patience, grace, and hope. It serves as a bridge over gaps created by cultural, religious, and personal differences, facilitating learning, empathy, and growth. The story poignantly illustrates the challenges and eventual reconciliation within a family navigating the complexities of sexual identity and cultural heritage, underscoring tolerance's role in fostering deeper understanding and connection. Read the full article here

College Students convened with leaders, including Governor Spencer Cox, at the Utah State Capitol to discuss their growing concerns about the divisive and polarized state of American society. The event was hosted by Tolerance Means Dialogue, Braver Angels, Equality Utah, the Fairness for All Initiative, 1st Amendment Partnership, University of Utah, Brigham Young University Law School's International Center for Law and Religion Studies, and the Federalist Society at the law schools of both BYU and the University of Utah. One of the central themes of Governor Cox's speech was the urgent need for tolerance and constructive dialogue. He stressed that Americans must learn to engage with those who hold different viewpoints with respect and empathy, recognizing that diversity of thought is a cornerstone of democracy. Cox emphasized that tolerance should not be synonymous with indifference but rather an active effort to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. Cox's call for tolerance and dialogue was not limited to the realm of politics but extended to all aspects of American life. He highlighted the importance of fostering civil conversations in workplaces, communities, and even within families. The governor argued that by promoting respectful discussions, society can overcome the current climate of hostility and mistrust. Read Full Article

At a Utah Capitol event, college student Kimball Yeates, a Tolerance Means essay contest winner, highlighted the need for greater tolerance within families and beyond. Governor Spencer Cox, alongside academic and political leaders, discussed America's hyperpolarization, emphasizing dialogue over division. The event, supported by multiple organizations and universities, showcased efforts to promote understanding across ideological lines, urging attendees to protect, listen to, and understand differing perspectives without compromising deeply held beliefs. Read the full article here

The Tolerance Means Dialogue event at the Utah State Capitol on October 30 aims to showcase Utah's bipartisan approach to divisive issues, featuring notable speakers including Utah Governor Spencer Cox and co-moderators from the University of Utah and BYU. The event, emphasizing civil rights and constructive approaches for pluralistic living, will also recognize essay contest winners on bridging divides in America. Attendees can join in person or online, underscoring the initiative's focus on inclusivity and dialogue as a model for national unity. Read the full article here