Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf is to give two masterclasses aimed at helping students “robustly debate their beliefs” in a political landscape that is “deeply polarised, and often toxic”, university bosses have announced.
The ex-SNP leader will draw on his own time in charge of the Scottish government for the special sessions, which will form part of Edinburgh University’s recently launched Common Ground leadership programme.
Programme aims to bridge divides
Programme organisers hope that by helping students develop the skills needed to build common ground, they can then go on to play a meaningful role in addressing the divides that exist in their future workplaces, communities and beyond.
Academics, experts, staff and student representatives are all contributing sessions and activities as part of the pilot programme, with Mr Yousaf, who stepped down as an MSP in May, the first leader to sign up to take part.
Edinburgh University is holding the Common Ground programme to help students deal with ‘increasingly divided and polarised views across society’.
Yousaf draws on frontline experience
Mr Yousaf, who was first minister for just over a year between March 2023 and May 2024, will draw on his experiences of frontline politics for the two masterclasses.
He said: “Having spent 15 years on the front line of Scottish politics, I know how deeply polarised, and often toxic, our public discourse has become, which threatens the very social fabric of our country.
“Common Ground will not only talk about how to co-exist amongst difference, but equip students with practical skills to robustly debate their beliefs, while understanding other people’s viewpoints.”
The former first minister added: “I have learnt from my own personal experience – the successes and mistakes I have made – that finding common ground, while holding on to your own principles, is necessary for a healthy, thriving democracy.”
University leaders welcome initiative
Fiona McClement, equality, diversity and inclusion lead at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Universities should be places where we can challenge ideas and debate difficult issues, no matter how strongly views are held.
“Supporting students to think carefully about how they navigate deep differences and have constructive conversations with people who see the world differently will help them develop vitally important skills for the future. We are delighted to launch this programme at such a critical time.”
Syjil Ramjuthan, vice president welfare at the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, said: “The challenges facing society, from climate change and health inequality to education and community connections, cannot be solved by people who all think alike.
“They require people who can listen, act, understand different perspectives, engage across difference and, ultimately, make an impact.”
