Journal of the International Ombuds Association (JIOA)

JIOA 2024 Articles

IOA Journal Volume 17, Issue 3 (2024) Special Issue on Politics and Polarization

Navigating Civility’s Baggage: Some Thoughts for Ombuds Practitioners

JULIA L. FARMER

October 2024

Abstract

The idea of civility has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as marginalized and disempowered groups have grappled with the ways in which calls for civility have been used to suppress dissent and maintain the status quo. This article describes some of the controversies around civility in more detail, including a look at the term’s connection the history of racial oppression, challenges to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and the NLRB’s concept of protected concerted activity. It then offers some questions for ombuds practitioners to consider as they work through whether and how to reference civility in their own organizations.