Election season is reaching its climax, and with it emerges the slew of clashing political opinion- often among an apathetic majority. The mixture of differing views is usually approached with caution in the classroom, at the fear of imposing opinion as fact or unforeseen offense.

But is voicing an experienced opinion really a detriment?
The importance of participating in the democratic process is constantly stressed to be a right and responsibility as a citizen. However, the inability to discuss important matters with respected mentors creates a lost opportunity for developing the role of an educated political contributor.
Foremost, having a facilitated conversation involves the class as a whole can draw in students that do not normally exchange views with others. The simplest way to broaden a population with educated opinions is to talk about them.
Beyond introducing students to the political system, having teachers share their beliefs can aid in strengthening a student’s own opinion. By analyzing a challenging viewpoint, it forces new, and perhaps changing, perspective alongside a more open-minded manner. Also, refuting a political opinion can entice extra research, furthering a student’s interest.
Equally important is the ability to accept differing opinions. With a controllable classroom setting, the environment itself acts as a moderator for controversial topics and allows for open discussion, a rare commodity.
Unfortunately, the benefits of having opposing viewpoints are the deemed dangerous consequences by skeptics. While the fear of educators having too large an influence on a student’s personal views is understandable, simply boycotting any mention of an important social role is negligent.
Accepting, evaluating or developing diverse opinions are all tools that extend beyond the political realm and into everyday social skills. Overcoming the taboo of a separation of academic and political education would offer the chance for the student body as a community to discover a little more about the people and world around them.