Dialogue Across Differences: Dr. Inabinet’s Students Participate in the Unify Challenge

Inspired by Dr. Liz Smith, Dr. Brandon Inabinet encouraged his Rhetoric and Strategy students to participate in the Unify Challenge College Bowl. The Unify Challenge is an online platform where students are paired with a peer they’ve never met. These students may have differing political views or come from different backgrounds, creating an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and understanding.

“Students connect to somebody from a completely different institution of a different background, experience, and belief. The web-based process allows students to hear something other than what they might think or say,” Dr. Inabinet explains. 

Dr. Inabinet hoped this digital opportunity would help his students feel less restricted and engage in thought-provoking conversations with individuals outside their class and the school community.

“I was unsure about the whole process because while I enjoy debating topics and hearing new perspectives, it is difficult to have those kinds of conversations in today’s contentious political climate. I found the Unify Challenge to be an excellent space to talk out polarizing issues in a respectful way with a stranger,” Cat Beeson, a current student in Dr. Inabinet’s class, shared. 

Overall, his students had a positive experience, participating in structured activities that encouraged them to discuss uncomfortable topics, practice sharing speaking time, and foster conversations that promote divergent thinking and group cohesion—“skills and values badly needed in our current world,” as Dr. Inabinet put it.

To participate, students need to fill out a short form, and the organization takes care of the rest for free, including providing a custom registration link and pairing students with a partner. “This is a welcome addition to a [Rhetoric and Strategy] course so much about communication strategies and facilitation,” Dr. Inabinet emphasizes, making an excellent enrichment to Furman’s campus.