MEND guide to facilitating discussions about Palestine Creating a respectful environment and facilitating discussions about Palestine

This is a brief guide detailing considerations and recommendations that schools may find helpful in ensuring that all students are provided with the opportunity to express their views, ask questions, and exchange ideas in a positive atmosphere.

Many students may wish to discuss the situation in Palestine and Israel, which may include expressing their views on the conflict and their solidarity with a given side. Unfortunately, in 2021 there was a clampdown amongst schools regarding expressions of Palestinian solidarity fuelled by a lack of understanding of facilitating discussion. Democracy involves differences of opinion, and it is fundamental that schools be able to discuss contentious issues. This gives an opportunity for misconceptions to be clarified, and exposes pupils to contrasting points of view.

 

Guide to facilitating discussions about Palestine