2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 59
BY SENATOR BUFFINGTON AND REPRESENTATI VE BROADWATER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To recognize and support opportunities for civil discourse and discussion of the Nine Simple
Rules, as suggested by Dr. P.M. Forni of Johns Hopkins University.
WHEREAS, public discourse in society today appears to be lacking in respect and
deteriorating to an unacceptable level of partisanship, name-calling, shouting, and rudeness;
and
WHEREAS, it is important to understand that all Louisiana citizens should
familiarize themselves with rules or suggestions which have been adopted for use in many
communities, including both Shreveport in Caddo Parish and Covington in St. Tammany
Parish; and
WHEREAS, the fast-paced, electronic, global society of texts, tweets, social media,
and electronic communication, generally, has affected the ability of Americans to truly listen
and talk to one another; and
WHEREAS, Dr. P.M. Forni of Johns Hopkins University identified certain principles
in his 2003 book entitled Choosing Civility, aimed at helping individuals and citizens to
restore civility in public discourse; and
WHEREAS, while civility involves both politeness and courtesy, having a civil
discourse is a fairly simple idea that means being respectful and seeking an understanding
of the other participant in a way that honors their position; and
WHEREAS, elected officials, businesses, students, civic organizations, and churches
can lead the way in these efforts to model the behaviors of civility; and
WHEREAS, it is especially important in a democratic society to encourage as many
voices as possible to speak and take part in public debate in order to be inclusive and to
encourage the making of wise decisions; and
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WHEREAS, in the United States the Speak Your Peace civility initiative is a
grassroots effort, emanating from the principles in Choosing Civility, and encouraging
citizens to take the pledge to agree to abide by these principles; and
WHEREAS, civility crosses all boundaries of gender, race, ethnicity, social class,
and age in that every person and every group deserves and should seek respect; and
WHEREAS, the nine basic principles that most learn as children should be employed
as adults and will foster a return to civility and productive public and community meetings;
and
WHEREAS, the nine basic principles are as follows:
(1) Paying attention. All should pay attention to the words being said, the body
language and facial expressions in addition to the environment and extenuating
circumstances in which a person is expressing his opinion.
(2) Listening. Audiences should not listen merely in order to respond, but to truly
understand what is being said, the true intent of the speaker and the perspective from which
the other person is talking. One may ask questions, but never interrupt.
(3) Being inclusive. One should always use language that the entire audience will
understand. It is effective to invite and welcome others into the conversation.
(4) Do not engage in gossip. One should not speak poorly of another who is not
present, including repeating derogatory information in that person's absence. When others
engage in gossip, discourage such comments and remind others that this kind of talk is not
productive, nor is it necessary.
(5) Show respect. Active listening demonstrates respect. Treat others as you would
want to be treated. Calling names and making judgmental comments are disrespectful and
should be avoided. Negative facial expressions should be avoided.
(6) Be agreeable. As a listener, look first for those points on which one can agree
with the speaker and affirm those before moving on to aspects where there is disagreement.
It is acceptable to disagree.
(7) Apologize. One should be the first to admit when one has misunderstood, made
a mistake, or spoken in haste. An apology is not a sign of weakness, but the beginning of
healing. Be empathetic, genuine, and sincere in all comments.
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(8) Give constructive criticism. Listeners should always stay focused on the issue
at hand. Do not be patronizing or condescending in comments to the speaker. One can
present suggestions in the form of a question, encouraging the group to explore the topic
fairly.
(9) Take responsibility. One should own and accept responsibility for one's
behavior, works and effects on any listeners. One must control one's own behavior and not
speak for someone else. Make comments to the group, not after the discussion to one or two
people privately. Do not repeat hearsay and confirm facts before passing them along to
others.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize and support opportunities for civil discourse and discussion of the Nine Simple
Rules, as suggested by Dr. P.M. Forni of Johns Hopkins University.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, as elected officials in the state of Louisiana, the
members of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana
hereby encourage, urge, and request every legislator to agree to abide by the principles of
civility as outlined in the Speak Your Peace initiative.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana will encourage all
citizens to speak up, to become involved in government and in public debate and to request
that individuals, businesses, churches, schools, local governments, and civic organizations
adopt similar resolutions in support of the principles of civility and incorporate these
principles into their everyday life and work.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Rev.
Lindy Broderick of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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