Consider the following principles:

• Use Inclusive Facilitation Techniques: Consider preventing any one student from dominating the conversation and elevate comments that may be overlooked by others, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard. Rotate or assign different students to lead discussions or summarize key points, allowing a variety of voices to take on leadership roles and reducing the likelihood of the same students dominating every session.
• Value Personal Experiences: Encourage students to share insights based on their personal experiences, recognizing these contributions as valuable to the broader discussion.
• Encourage Respectful Critical Engagement: Remind students that respectful discussion does not mean avoiding critique. Instead, it involves being open to the possibility of being wrong and recognizing that differing viewpoints may be valid and worth considering.
• Establish Active Listening Norms: Encourage students to listen actively, which includes not interrupting others, asking follow-up questions, and reflecting on what has been said before contributing to the discussion. 
• Develop Student-Driven Communication Guidelines: Empower students to co-create classroom communication agreements that promote respect, inclusivity, and meaningful engagement. Establishing shared expectations fosters a more supportive and participatory learning environment.
• Address Stereotypes as Teachable Moments: When comments involving racism or stereotypes arise, use these comments/instances as teachable moments rather than chastising students. Many may not be aware that their comments are discriminatory. By addressing these thoughtfully, students can gain insight without being discouraged from participating in future discussions.
• Avoid Demographic-Based Assumptions: Do not view or call upon students as representatives of a specific demographic (e.g., race, gender, orientation, etc.). Doing so is inappropriate and overlooks their individuality. Students are unique individuals with distinct opinions, ideas, ideologies, and values. Encourage students to share personal experiences but discourage them from presenting these experiences as representative of an entire demographic.
• Acknowledge Emotional Responses: Recognize and validate emotional reactions during discussions, especially on sensitive or controversial topics, while guiding students back to reasoned, respectful engagement.
• Create a "Pause for Reflection" Moment: During heated or fast-paced discussions, consider implementing brief pauses to allow students to reflect on what has been said before responding, ensuring that all voices have an opportunity to be heard.
• Debrief After Controversial Discussions: After discussions on sensitive or divisive topics, conduct a short debrief to reflect on how the conversation went, what was learned, and how the process could be improved in future discussions.
• Facilitate Anonymous Participation: Provide students with opportunities to submit questions or comments anonymously using tools such as surveys, shared documents, or notecards. This encourages open dialogue and allows students to seek clarification without fear of judgment.
• Encourage Collaborative Dialogue: Foster a learning environment where students actively engage in discussions, particularly on complex or sensitive topics. Rather than the instructor leading all discussions, encourage students to navigate and contribute to these conversations thoughtfully and respectfully.
• Integrate Campus Resources into the Classroom: Invite representatives from campus services to present on topics such as stress management and emotional well-being. These presentations can help students process challenging discussions and connect with available support systems.