Democracy is based on the assumption that people will communicate as to what they believe is right. Without students taking part in politics, some changes may not be made. The Stampede began to investigate Milligan’s student interest in political involvement by interviewing Dr. Amy Edmonds, assistant professor of political science, and junior Tessa Stevenson, a political science major.
Edmonds believes students are interested in politics but are reluctant to get involved due to the possibility of facing topics with which they are unfamiliar. She also believes that students do not want to get involved, because they see politics as something they cannot change, so they would rather not engage on the topic.
Stevenson, who is also the president of the Milligan College Republicans club, agrees that students have political opinions but are afraid to get involved, because they do not truly understand what politics is and what it can be.
“It is absolutely essential to get politically involved,” Edmonds said, “because democracy is based on the premise that people will engage to keep representatives accountable, and that if they see something they think is unjust, that they will work to change it.”
To understand the politics of our country better, students have to get involved and pay attention. People cannot be afraid to ask questions when they do not understand. Asking questions allows citizens to have a better understanding of what politics is and what it has the potential to become.
“What bothers me the most,” Edmonds said, “is that I believe that Christians are called to be salt and light in this world, and if students care about promoting justice and making the world a better place, an understanding of politics is essential.”
On campus, students have the opportunity to attend different clubs and organizations to gain a better understanding of politics, including Milligan College Republicans, Milligan College Democrats, the Student Government Association, Sustainability Club and International Justice Mission. These clubs will also provide a safe place for students to ask questions.
This article is part of a series of articles about political involvement on campus. Stay tuned for more updates!