Higher education leaders are confronting a deepening debate about civility, free speech and how campuses should respond to polarized protest. Analysts argue universities lack a shared definition of civility and that calls to 'police' speech often backfire, producing more division rather than constructive dialogue. The historical and philosophical roots of civility—ranging from Hobbes to Locke—illustrate competing prescriptions about the balance between social cohesion and robust debate. Administrators are being urged to treat contentious disagreements as pedagogical opportunities, not compliance problems: build structured deliberative formats, invest in conflict-mediation training, and make clear the distinction between protected speech and genuine threats. Trustees and provosts should ensure policies emphasize process and consistency, equipping campus leaders to respond to crises without sacrificing academic freedom or becoming political targets.