According to a report by the Alabama Daily News earlier this year, state senator Rodger Smitherman introduced a bill that requires high school students learn about violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation before graduation. The bill also directs the state’s Department of Education to develop standards and provide teacher training.

If passed, the requirement would begin in 2026 with ninth grade students receiving instruction in the following:

• Responsible decision-making.

• The causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity, and non-violent methods for resolving conflict, including peer mediation.

• The consequences of violent behavior.

• The causes of violent reactions to conflict.

• Nonviolent conflict resolution techniques.

• The relationship between drugs, alcohol and violence.

• The implementation of voluntary peer mediation programs and the integration of conflict resolution models in classrooms.

Smitherman also introduced another bill requiring couples getting married to complete a conflict resolution class.

No doubt communities across the nation are searching for ways to address discord and violence. Previously not widely recognized, conflict resolution programs are now present in many schools. It’s estimated that approximately 25% of schools have implemented peer mediation programs. While most of the programs are small, they have been shown to reduce conflicts on campuses.

There is every reason to grow these programs so that all students receive conflict resolution education.

In 1995, my textbook, “An Introduction to Intercultural Communication,” was first published and I’m happy to announce the 11th edition is being released in 2025!

For 30 years my objective has been to help readers appreciate how identities are formed within various cultures and the ways it impacts our communications with one another.

This latest version includes "Point/Counterpoint" sections on controversial topics like English as an Official Language and Critical Race Theory. The new content provides readers with arguments from both sides of these issues to help them arrive at their own conclusions.

The book is available from the following:

Sage

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

I’ve received positive responses over the years to this volume from students across the world and hope the 11th edition will continue to inform and inspire those interested in the subject.