By Rachna Vipparla – Staff Reporter

Ms. Briggs has been the media specialist at Jonathan Law since 2010. She helps students one on one with assignments, their classes, and technology. She has also started various clubs such as the Book Club and the Civil Discourse Club. Advocate staff reporter Rachna Vipparla spoke with Briggs about Civil Discourse Club.

Rachna Vipparla: What is the Civil Discourse Club?

Ms. Briggs: It is a club that discusses current events and controversial issues.

RV: What is the difference between Civil Discourse Club and Debate Club?

MB: Unlike Debate Club, where the goal is to defeat your opponent, the goal of this club is to find common ground with someone and use the rules of civil discourse.

RV: What inspired you to start the Civil Discourse Club?

MB: I read an article about schools that were doing something similar. It is also part of the larger discussion of how we are becoming less of a society and less able to talk to one another without people storming away angry.

RV: How do you think students will benefit from Civil Discourse Club?  

MB: I’m hoping they really enjoy themselves. My idea is for it to be student-run, where students pick the topics and conduct the discussions. So my goal is for students to be more aware of what’s going on and be better prepared to discuss current issues that they’re interested in.

RV: What topics does the club discuss?

MB: The first topic was climate change, after that we discussed gun control and our next topic will be abortion.