Regardless of course topic or content, challenging conversations, moments of rupture or disruption, and heated encounters may occur. These moments can arise in response to specific course materials (e.g., readings, guest speakers), or they could be in response to sociopolitical factors. Thus, the amount of control an instructor or department head feels they have over a particular moment may vary. Anyone can be the target and/or the cause of these moments: students, instructors, TAs, guest speakers, staff. Given that everyone enters the University with an array of social identities, previous experiences, and perspectives, these moments may be unavoidable. Though they are complicated and can be difficult to respond to, there are steps to take to potentially anticipate and navigate Heated, Offensive, or Tense (HOT) moments before, during, and after they occur. This resource provides strategies that can be implemented in any context.
