by Catherine Rogers
Staff Writer
Does it surprise you that the namesake of Bryan College, William Jennings Bryan, was a three-time Democratic Party presidential candidate? That would seem a little far-fetched for a college that’s been aligned more closely with the Republican Party for years. Well, if you’re a Bryan student and you’re not a conservative Republican, your time has come.
Last Thursday morning, the first meeting for two new political groups on campus was held in Associate Professor of Political Science Ron Petitte’s, Strategy and Politics class. These two groups represent the Democratic Party and the Young Americans for Liberty (YAL).
“I organized this because I think it is good for Bryan,” said Petite. “We need healthy debate. Also, because Bryan accepts significant amounts of federal aid for its students, we, as a college, have to be nonpartisan or we run the risk of losing [that support].”
Kevin Clauson, professor of government and director of the WJB Center for Law, is the faculty advisor for the Young Americans for Liberty group. He also emphasized the importance of these new groups.
“It is important for each group (or as many as possible) to have a “party” for at least two reasons, one philosophical and one practical: (1) to give as many students as possible a voice and a home in the political sphere of life, and (2) to ensure that the tax-exempt status of Bryan College is above reproach,” Clauson said.
For the past three years there has been a desire for more political parties to be represented on campus but just not enough student interest, according to Michael Palmer, associate professor of communication studies and faculty advisor for the College Republicans.
“Now, it seems to be, the interest is there, and the numbers are there,” he said. “These are intended to be student-driven efforts.”
These student-driven groups are twofold in function: to foster political activism and to help politically-minded students to be more informed.
Clauson gave examples of the political activism that the YAL group hopes to cultivate.
“YAL will eventually host some debates, invite candidates to speak or possibly debate, invite individuals⎯not necessarily candidates, but current or former officeholders or candidates⎯to speak and, more specifically for YAL, promote ideas of Constitutional liberty among members⎯students who wish to participate⎯and others,” he said.
Palmer said his hope for these groups is that they would be informative for the student body.
“There are a decent variety of voices on campus, and if people come here and it’s a place which promotes good discourse⎯where you can learn to differ and argue well without being mean spirited and that you can tolerate differences and listen to other voices⎯you can grow in your own position. But it doesn’t happen well if you just go to one voice and sameness is all you’ve got.” he said.
Bill Ketchersid, professor of history and the College Democrats faculty advisor, agreed with Palmer.
“Both views should be represented to cause students to think more thoroughly about domestic and foreign policy. A strong Democrat student party could cause more political divisions, but I believe that would promote more sound thinking,” he said.
With these new groups, “people will have a place and a voice to refine their thinking—iron sharpens iron—the chaffing is good and if it’s good for the democratic nature of the country, it is also good for the college.” said Palmer.
So, in addition to the College Republican emails that you receive, look for future plans of the College Democrats and Young Americans for Liberty groups in your inbox.
If you wish to join a group contact Keith Bauer for College Democrats, Daniel Grayton for Young Americans for Liberty or Josh Davis and Bethany Diamond for College Republicans.
Tags: Bethany Diamond, College Democrats, College Republican, Daniel Grayton, Josh Davis, Keith Bauer, Kevin Clauson, michael palmer, Ron Petitte, Young Americans for Liberty
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