— Respectful Dialogue —

ALCCA is committed to fostering constructive engagement across diverse perspectives, particularly on university campuses, where tensions often run high. Our Respectful Dialogue Initiative, which is now under development, will promote informed discussions on antisemitism, the Middle East conflict, and other complex issues, ensuring that critical perspectives are heard while rejecting intimidation, harassment, and misinformation.  

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Our Approach to Respectful Dialogue 

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• Empowering students and communities – Providing tools and resources to help students and community members engage in thoughtful, critical discussions while encouraging diverse viewpoints.

• Facilitating campus and community dialogue – Supporting the formation of student-led dialogue groups and hosting events that bring together Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Israeli, Arab and other community voices.

• Building interfaith alliances – Working alongside faith-based and community organizations to promote unity and address hatred across religious and cultural divides.

• Hosting conferences and working groups – Organizing national conferences and campus working groups that model respectful civil discourse despite the controversies that divide us.

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Building a National Movement for Respectful Dialogue 

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The initiative began with a Change.org petition titled An Open Letter from Canada’s Law Community, launched in October 2023 by ALCCA’s Chair, Mark Sandler. Inspired by the Jewish and Muslim Law Students Associations at the University of Ottawa, this letter called on legal professionals and allies to reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hatred while promoting civil discourse and shared humanity. It received over 2,700 signatures from across the legal community, including former Supreme Court judges, lawyers of all faiths, law professors, and students. 

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Since then, the Respectful Dialogue Initiative is working to expand beyond the legal community to include: 

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• Diverse interfaith leaders, educators, and students who are driving meaningful conversations on university campuses.

• A committee of experts and facilitators who can provide education, training, and guidance on how to engage in respectful dialogue across Canada.

• Supporting student groups who are fostering open and constructive discussions about the Middle East conflict.

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Why It Matters 

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In today’s increasingly polarized environment, respectful dialogue is essential to countering misinformation, demonization, and intolerance. ALCCA believes that: 

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• Legal action should target extremists, but education and engagement remain crucial for others prepared to engage in active listening, without demonizing those with opposing views.

• Civil discourse is key to addressing polarization and fostering mutual understanding.

• Dialogue does not mean agreement—but it ensures that all perspectives can be heard without intimidation or harassment.

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ALCCA will support student-led initiatives, national conferences, and community dialogue efforts to promote understanding, challenge misinformation, and encourage meaningful, respectful conversations on complex issues.
 
Get Involved

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To support or participate in ALCCA’s Respectful Dialogue Initiative, email info@alcca.ca.