When a student makes a charged statement:

1. If the statement targets an individual or identity group, remind students to address ideas, not personalities.
2. Clarify and understand what the student is saying.
3. Ask for evidence, opening the question to the whole class and referring to course material.
4. Do they agree or disagree? Ask if further research would help them come to a conclusion.
5. Record points of view on chart paper to validate all contributions.
6. Have each student write a paragraph from another point of view or write a persuasive 'letter to the editor' arguing their own point of view.