Facts and Opinions

We have heard that distinctions between facts and opinions/emotions are a source of tension. 

On one hand, the facts of a situation are necessary to inform good decision-making. Misinformation and manipulation can undermine a community process.  On the other hand, facts can be used by skillful people to crowd out other community voices and dismiss community values, experience, and other ways of knowing.

How can we come to agreement on a set of facts, as well as honor other types of input?