Sen. Johnson, Chancellor Mnookin lead class discussion on respectful dialogue, debate

On Friday, Oct. 20, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson and UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin joined students of PA 200: Contemporary Public Policy Issues at the La Follette School of Public Affairs. In a conversation moderated by Susan Yackee, director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs, Sen. Johnson and Chancellor Mnookin emphasized the importance of civil engagement across a wide range of important issues facing Wisconsin and the nation.

Three people sit at a table in front of a classroom.

Moderating the conversation, Yackee (center) first asked Sen. Johnson (left) and Chancellor Mnookin (right) to share their thoughts on fostering civil dialogue across difference. Sen. Johnson emphasized that we can find common ground through our shared goals of creating a happy, safe life for ourselves and our families. Chancellor Mnookin noted that finding points of connection with someone who holds a different view doesn’t mean giving up your values or silencing yourself. Photo: Althea Dotzour

Chancellor Mnookin thanks Sen. Johnson for joining her, noting that the idea to meet with the Contemporary Public Policy class originated from a conversation they had in Washington, DC. Both agreed that engaging with differing views was an essential part of well-rounded education. “It should be part of the university experience,” noted Chancellor Mnookin. Photo: Althea Dotzour

Three people talk in front of a classroom.

Throughout the class, Sen. Johnson and Chancellor Mnookin engaged on several policy issues of state and national significance, finding some common ground in the problems they identified and respectfully noting where their views diverged. Photo: Althea Dotzour

A young woman speaks to a man in a suit.

Sen. Johnson took time to respond to questions from and speak with students, after the class ended. One student noted that Senator Johnson was the second U.S. senator she had the opportunity to meet on campus. Photo: Althea Dotzour

From left to right, Sen. Johnson, Chancellor Mnookin and Yackee pose for a photo outside the Microbial Sciences Building, where the Contemporary Public Policy class was hosted on Oct. 20. Photo: Althea Dotzour

Sen. Johnson, Chancellor Mnookin and Yackee speak outside the Microbial Sciences Building. Photo: Althea Dotzour