2025-2026
Care, Conflict, and (in)Civility in Academic Life
March 4th, 2026 2:30-4:00pm
Faculty Affairs was delighted to welcome Professor Alice MacLachlan, Vice-Provost & Dean, Graduate Studies to an online conversation series on (re)building academic spaces of care and inclusion. In an era marked by political polarization, social fragmentation, and moral disagreements, how can individuals, communities, institutions including universities rebuild trust and move forward together? Professor MacLachlan’s scholarship offers valuable insights towards this urgent question.
Drawing on political philosophy and feminist ethics, Professor MacLachlan’s writings engage with the nature and limits of forgiveness, the power and complexity of public apologies, and the role that emotions such as resentment and indignation play in reconciliation and repair. Her work offers ideas for thinking through what practices and responsibilities are involved in restoring relationships in the aftermath of wrongdoing, injustice, and democratic strain.
Professor MacLachlan’s publications include “Apologizing for Evil” “Trust Me, I’m Sorry: The Paradox of Public Apology,” “Closet Doors and Stage Lights: On the Goods of Out,” and “Unreasonable Resentments.” She is also the co-editor of Justice, Responsibility, and Reconciliation in the Wake of Conflict. Her current research investigates the ethics and politics of (in)civility in contexts of disagreement—an especially timely and resonant topic for our academic communities today.
Our conversation with Professor MacLachlan aligned beautifully with the theme of CHREI’s Inclusion Week (March 2–6): Building Inclusive Spaces Through Community Support and Restoration. We enjoyed a rich conversation with Faculty and graduate students on how practices of apology, repair, and relational ethics can help cultivate more compassionate and inclusive academic spaces.
To access the presentation slides click here
To access the video recording click here
Listen In, Reach Out: Building Relationships for Collaborative Leadership
Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12.00 – 3.00pm
This session brought together Chairs and Directors from across York to explore how strong relationships, trust, and shared purpose form the foundation of collaborative leadership in academic units. Facilitated in partnership with CHREI and featuring a workshop led by Oliver Martin (Director of Workplace Restoration & Culture), participants engaged in discussions on navigating conflict, strengthening interpersonal skills, and fostering a collegial culture grounded in mutual respect. Through dialogue and reflective activities, academic leaders examined how self-awareness, values, and leadership styles shape team dynamics and support effective shared governance. Resources from the session, including workshop materials and follow-up tools, are available below to support continued learning and application.
Read more about the workshop: Listen In, Reach Out: Building Relationships for Collaborative Leadership
Resources (PPY login required):
Engaging Constructively with Controversial Issues Webinar with Dr. Judith L. Pace
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 1:00 - 2:00pm, online
This webinar brought faculty and academic leaders together for an in-depth conversation on how to support students in navigating complex social and political issues in the classroom. Led by Dr. Judith L. Pace, Professor Emerita at the University of San Francisco and author of Hard Questions, the session explored holistic and reflective approaches to engaging with controversial topics in ways that advance democracy, justice, and human rights. Drawing on her cross-national research in Northern Ireland, England, the United States, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and South Africa, Dr. Pace shared her framework for reflective practice along with practical tools, concepts, and pedagogical insights. Participants gained strategies for fostering thoughtful dialogue, critical inquiry, and inclusive learning environments during times of heightened global conflict. Resources from the session, including Dr. Pace’s framework and related materials, are available below.
Read more about Dr. Pace: https://www.teachingcontroversies.com/
Resources (PPY login required):