Explanation:

- Option 1: understandably

- "Many, understandably, hesitate to publicly broach such questions for fear of nurturing discrimination."

- The term "understandably" suggests that it's reasonable or can be easily comprehended why people might hesitate.

- This fits well, making it clear why hesitation is expected or rational.

- Option 2: despite

- "Many, despite, hesitate to publicly broach such questions for fear of nurturing discrimination."

- "Despite" would need additional context (despite what?), and the sentence structure becomes awkward.

- Option 3: until

- "Many, until, hesitate to publicly broach such questions for fear of nurturing discrimination."

- "Until" suggests waiting for a specific time or event, but it doesn't fit contextually here.

- Option 4: of course

- "Many, of course, hesitate to publicly broach such questions for fear of nurturing discrimination."

- "Of course" implies something taken for granted, but doesn't clearly explain the hesitation.