On a campus with a history of turbulent protests, it might come as a surprise that divergent viewpoints could be a point of harmony for the student body.
Yet activist student groups from the right, the left, and in between claim a common interest in promoting dialogue. As the school year begins, many organizations that often hold opposing views have cited engaging more students in discussion as one of their chief objectives.
For some, this means rousing the masses first.
Derek Turner, CC ’12 and director of communications for the Columbia University College Republicans, emphasized the College Republicans’ focus on bringing speakers to the University.
“Hopefully as they arrive on campus the Columbia student body can participate in the engaging dialogue that the speakers will doubtlessly ignite,” Turner said.
In the past, speakers have generated widespread interest and sparked debates that continue on campus long after they leave.
Last year, the conservative social and political commentator Ann Coulter fielded a question-and-answer session longer than her actual speech—an event that brought Republican perspective to a student body often characterized as predominantly liberal.
The Columbia Political Union hopes to foster broader exposure to a variety of political viewpoints on campus this year.
“Our main goal is to keep everyone as politically active [and] engaged as possible,” said Sajaa Ahmed, CC ’10 and general manager for CPU. “Whether through engaging speakers, controversial debates between opposing political groups, informational publications, or an active presence in the blogosphere.”
Ahmed also raised the issue of health care, which has been frequently discussed both nationally and on campus. CPU is currently organizing a debate over health care between the College Republicans and the Columbia University College Democrats.
“The debate will likely be one of our most exciting events of the semester,” Ahmed said.
Turner agreed and added that health care “serves as a crucible for more fundamental political opinions and philosophies.”
CPU sponsored a similar debate last year in which members of the College Republicans and College Democrats debated other hot button issues such as the death penalty and abortion.
The debate “was productive both for of our groups and for developing more of a dialogue among students on campus,” Sam Klug, CC ’12 and a member of the College Democrats said. “I hope to continue that this year.”
Turner noted the impact of student engagement in politics, stating, “Peoples’ most fundamental opinions about government, its responsibilities, and its limits come to the forefront and actually have consequences.”
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