You will begin to feel like a diplomat as you work to facilitate communication among different mindsets. Make sure that everyone is feeling comfortable with the discussion. These cliques can severely inhibit free exchange of ideas. Capitalize on those differences in the class discussion and help the students to recognize the sources of those differences. Respect everyone's ideas equally.
Students are qwck to pick up on a teacher's attitude toward class members.
Be sensitive but not over-sensitive to what is politically correct. Make them discuss and deal with these uncomfortable issues. Too much sensitivity will stifle discussion. Make sure that the discussion doesn't turn into a dialogue between just you and one or two others. Every class has one and it is your job to figure out how best to deal with this person.