Dignity Index Launched at University of Utah
The University of Utah has recently introduced a new initiative called the Dignity Index. This program employs an eight-point scale to evaluate how individuals express themselves during political or social disagreements.
Announced in October, the Dignity Index is estimated to cost around $400,000 annually for equipment and staffing, as reported by a local source. In essence, it rates communication on a scale where 1 signifies complete disrespect and 8 denotes universal dignity, regardless of differing opinions.
Tami Pifer, the chief external affairs officer and one of the creators of the Dignity Index, noted that the program began as a pilot project to test its effectiveness and has now expanded its reach across 25 states.
The collaboration between the University of Utah and Project UNITE, the nonprofit organization behind the index, started in 2022. The university initially applied the Dignity Index to assess political discourse during the midterm elections in the Utah State Legislature.
The youth version of the Dignity Index aims to encourage the development of skills to navigate disagreements with respect. It measures speeches on the same eight-point scale, where, for example, a score of 1 might reflect harmful sentiments, while an 8 emphasizes the intrinsic value of each individual and the importance of treating everyone with dignity.
Megan Monroe, a K-12 education senior program associate at Project UNITE, mentioned that the youth-focused version can integrate seamlessly into existing school programs that promote empathetic communication and active listening, creating an environment where all voices—educators, students, and parents—are acknowledged.
According to Natalie Goschner, director of the Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, dignity is a priority for the institution. She emphasized that the university values the inherent dignity of all individuals while also championing free expression and the pursuit of truth as essential rights within the campus community.
Goschner highlighted the interconnectedness of these principles, suggesting that contempt, which opposes dignity, can stifle free speech and learning. When contempt is prevalent, self-censorship often occurs, leading to a breakdown in communication and an overall decline in civil discourse.
In partnership with Project UNITE, the University of Utah plans to conduct research related to dignity, share insights on practices that uphold dignity, and refine the Dignity Index to measure interpersonal interactions during disagreements. Participation in this initiative is entirely voluntary.
