Men on The Hill Discussion Explores Respect, Values and Evolving Views on Chivalry

                                                                                                                                                         By Toni Herring

As Valentine’s Day approaches, Alabama A&M University students are reflecting on what respect and intentionality look like in modern relationships. The Alabama A&M University Student Activities Board hosted “Men on the Hill: Chivalry 101” in the Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room, bringing students together for a thoughtful discussion on the origins of chivalry and how those principles translate into today’s expectations, including the growing conversation around “queen” or “princess” treatment.

Valentine’s Day, observed Feb. 14, is traditionally associated with cards, flowers and romantic gestures, but organizers of the panel discussion said the holiday also offers an opportunity to revisit the values behind those traditions. Chivalry has roots in medieval courtly love, where honor, courtesy and loyalty were central to relationships. While the social context has changed, panelists said the core ideas of respect and consideration remain relevant.

Junior Isaiah Taylor, logistics director for the Student Activities Board, served as moderator. Taylor is a business management major with a concentration in information systems from Gadsden, Alabama, a University Echo Student Ambassador, vice president of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Honors Program and a student employee in the ITS Department.

Panelists included Jeremiah Hunt, a junior sports management major from Conyers, Georgia; Maxwell Joyner, a senior plant biotechnology major from Warner Robins, Georgia; and McKelton Johnson, a senior business management major from Nassau, the Bahamas. Cynthia Bradley, a senior political science major from Linden, Alabama, served as the guest speaker.

The discussion focused on the distinction between traditional chivalry and what many young women today describe as being treated like a queen. Male panelists emphasized that chivalry remains important to them in this day and age, noting that it is often demonstrated through everyday acts of courtesy and respect, while modern relationship expectations also include emotional availability, consistency and intentional effort. Johnson described chivalry as a basic moral ground that continues to shape how people should treat one another.

“Chivalry matters because it humanizes interactions in an increasingly impersonal world,” said Johnson. “It sets a moral standard without the need for rules or authority and builds trust and social cohesion by making character visible through actions.”

As the conversation concluded, students and panelists agreed that chivalry has evolved beyond rigid gender roles and is now better understood as mutual respect and accountability. While traditional gestures still hold value, panelists emphasized that healthy relationships today require sincerity, communication and emotional awareness. Both male and female students and panel members agreed that chivalry is not instinctive, but must be taught, modeled and reinforced through everyday behavior.

Taylor said the panel was designed to encourage students to think more intentionally about relationships, not only during Valentine’s Day, but year-round.

“Our goal was to create a space for honest conversation about how we treat one another,” said Taylor. “At the end of the day, chivalry is about respect, intention and showing up with integrity in every relationship.”