Ripon College Days

Once upon a time political activity and discourse made its mark at Ripon College, but until recently it seemed to have become a thing of the past. The last few weeks there have shown hints of the political passion demonstrated by Ripon College students in the 1960s, who protested in support of radical social change. We salute those of you who took part in the anti-war rally in Washington D.C., as well as Student Senate for allowing these individuals to go through financial support. We also commend the recent spurts of mature dialogue that have been associated with this and other smaller demonstrations.

This is not the first time Senate has decided to fund something that carries more political weight on one side of a given issue. Each year Senate funds controversial speakers brought to campus by both the College Republicans and Democrats. This year the College Greens decided to organize an activity as a student organization and Senate fulfilled its duty in supporting them. While some students were opposed to Senate funding this trip, the fundamental truth remains that people have the right to say and do what they please within reason and should be supported by our "liberal" environment.

We also praise those who organized and implemented an exchange between the campus and the larger Ripon community. The demonstration at Rotary Square was a worthy means by which to express a viewpoint.

The presence of Starbucks on campus has also been the cause of tension, and though many do not agree with the protesters' stance on the issue, we support them regardless. College is a dynamic time and a stage for growth and development of individuals. Supporting those actions is a part of our role as citizens of an open campus community.

The essence of a liberal arts education is exposure to ideals, concepts and beliefs that are foreign or opposite to one's own. A primary part of that experience is discussion. When one is exposed to different ideas, the only way to fully grasp their core is to have discourse on it. In these last few weeks, Ripon College has appropriately embraced discussion and has opened a new forum for exchange, which we hope will continue, starting with this recent surge of activism, after a disheartening stagnancy.

Whether you agree or disagree with the beliefs or actions of the students and professors who have gone to Washington, protested on campus or in the community, praise, respect and commendation is due to them for having the strength to be vocal and brave enough to promote their viewpoint. Their actions have helped to show us that the only way to affect change is to seek it. These people are proactive and have the courage to be contrary, something that we hope sets an inspiring example that will connect Ripon's campus and community with its once rebellious and passionately political roots.

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